Zcort 7-Day
Generic name: dexamethasone (oral) [ dex-a-METH-a-sone ]
Brand names: Dexabliss 11-Day Dose Pack, DexAMETHasone Intensol, Dxevo 11-Day Dose Pack, Hemady, HiDex 6-Day Taper Package,
... show all 11 brands
Drug class: Glucocorticoids
What is Zcort 7-Day?
There are many brands and forms of dexamethasone available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Zcort 7-Day is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Zcort 7-Day is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders.
Zcort 7-Day may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Zcort 7-Day side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Zcort 7-Day may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
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muscle tightness, weakness, or limp feeling;
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blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
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shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
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severe depression, unusual thoughts or behavior;
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a seizure (convulsions);
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bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood;
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fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse;
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pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
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low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling; or
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increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.
Zcort 7-Day can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Zcort 7-Day.
Common side effects of Zcort 7-Day may include:
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fluid retention (swelling in your hands or ankles);
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increased appetite;
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mood changes, trouble sleeping;
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skin rash, bruising or discoloration;
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acne, increased sweating, increased hair growth;
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headache, dizziness;
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nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
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changes in your menstrual periods; or
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changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you have a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, and all the medicines you are using. There are many other diseases that can be affected by steroid use, and many other medicines that can interact with steroids.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zcort 7-Day if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
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a fungal infection anywhere in your body.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
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liver disease (such as cirrhosis);
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kidney disease;
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a thyroid disorder;
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malaria;
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tuberculosis;
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osteoporosis;
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a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
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diabetes (steroid medicine may increase glucose levels in your blood or urine);
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glaucoma or cataracts;
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herpes infection of the eyes;
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stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease;
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depression or mental illness;
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congestive heart failure; or
Steroid medication affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily. Steroids can also worsen or reactivate an infection you've already had. Tell your doctor about any illness or infection you have had within the past several weeks.
It is not known whether Zcort 7-Day will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using Zcort 7-Day.
How should I take Zcort 7-Day?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Zcort 7-Day.
Do not stop using Zcort 7-Day suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use Zcort 7-Day.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Related/similar drugs
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Zcort 7-Day.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of dexamethasone is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while taking Zcort 7-Day?
Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using steroid medicine.
Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Zcort 7-Day.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using Zcort 7-Day. The vaccine may not work as well during this time, and may not fully protect you from disease. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).
What other drugs will affect Zcort 7-Day?
Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Zcort 7-Day, especially:
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an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
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birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
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insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
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medicine to treat dementia or Parkinson's disease;
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a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Zcort 7-Day. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Popular FAQ
How long does dexamethasone stay in your system?
The amount of time it takes for dexamethasone to leave your body depends on your age, other medications you are taking, and your medical conditions. Dexamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid. While it takes around 20 hours for it to leave the body for most people, the effects can last many days after your last dose. Continue reading
What is a dexamethasone suppression test used for?
A dexamethasone suppression test is a blood test used to determine if you have Cushing syndrome. Cushing syndrome occurs when too much cortisol is made by your adrenal glands. Cortisol is a hormone that helps you respond to stress, but too much cortisol can lead to health problems. Continue reading
More FAQ
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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