What If I Take It For A Long Time?
Several months of dexamethasone use may raise your risk of experiencing some additional negative effects. Long-term use of this medication might cause decreased growth in children and teenagers as well as weaker bones (osteoporosis), vision issues, and other difficulties. Dexamethasone may impair blood sugar management if you have diabetes. While you are using this medication and again after you stop, your doctor might need to change the way you are managing your diabetes. To assist you stay as healthy as possible, you can do a few things.
- Make sure you obtain adequate calcium in your diet and engage in regular exercise to help build your bones. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and leafy greens are high in calcium. Your doctor might schedule a periodic bone scan for you to monitor your bones.
- You might need to check your blood sugar more frequently if you have diabetes. You can get more guidance on this from your doctor.
- Visit an optometrist once a year to lessen your risk of developing vision issues. They will examine your eyes for cataracts and glaucoma-related excessive eye pressure.
- Your child's height and weight need to be closely watched if they take dexamethasone for an extended period of time. To ensure that the steroid is not hindering their growth, this is done. If you're concerned, speak to their doctor. They can describe the advantages and disadvantages of giving your child dexamethasone.
