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Overview: Hemady is a corticosteroid medicine that is used with other medicines to treat multiple myeloma. Hemady is believed to work by causing cancer cells to self-destruct. Common side effects include infection, stomach problems, muscle or joint problems, and weight gain. Before taking Hemady, make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is Hemady used for?

Hemady (dexamethasone) is commonly used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer. 

Hemady may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Hemady work (mechanism of action)?

Hemady is believed to work by causing cancer cells in your body to self-destruct. 

How is Hemady supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Hemady 

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 20 mg oral tablets

Dexamethasone is also available in other forms. See: Dexamethasone and Dexamethasone ophthalmic for more information. 

How should I store Hemady?

Hemady should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Hemady?

The most common side effects of Hemady are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Problems with your heart, skin, stomach, metabolismnervous system, mood, muscles or joints, or vision (see below)
  • Problems with your endocrine system, including increased blood sugar (see below)
  • Fluid and electrolyte problems, including fluid retention (see below)
  • Abnormal fat deposits
  • Infection (see below)
  • Hiccups
  • Problems with sperm
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Moon face
  • Weight gain

There may be other side effects of Hemady that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Hemady?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Hemady are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hemady may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Hemady and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of Hemady may cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, taking Hemady at high doses or for a long time may increase your risk for Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). Stop taking Hemady and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

  • A rounded, rosy color of the face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
  • Thinning skin that bruises easily
  • Feeling very weak or tired
  • Depression or anxiety
  • High blood sugar
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep problems

High Blood Sugar. Hemady may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it for a long time. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Infections. Hemady can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Hemady may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with prednisolone, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB)hepatitis B, or any other serious infections.

Fluid Retention (Edema). Hemady can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Hemady may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Blood Clots. Hemady may cause blood clots in your arteries or veins and could cause a strokeheart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Stop taking Hemady and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision

Vision Problems. Hemady may increase your risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider while taking Hemady. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vision changes
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Stomach Problems. Hemady can increase your risk of having stomach or intestine problems, including ulcers or bleeding, tears (perforation), or inflammation of the pouches of your intestines (diverticulitis). The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers or other stomach problems. Stop taking Hemady and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that is severe or does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Weak Bones. Taking Hemady for a long time may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily. Tell your healthcare provider if you break a bone, and get a bone mineral density test if one is ordered for you.    

Muscle Problems. Hemady can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness, called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking Hemady and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.

  • Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
  • Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Fever
  • Muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

Mood Changes. Hemady can cause changes in mood, including intense excitement, mood swings, or trouble sleeping. It may also cause depression once the medicine is stopped. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices any changes in your mood. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Hemady?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Hemady.

  • Hemady
  • Dexamethasone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Hemady.

Fungal Infection. Do not take Hemady if you have a fungal infection in your blood. 

What should I know about Hemady before using it?

Do not take Hemady unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Hemady with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Hemady out of the reach of children.

Do not stop taking Hemady without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Headaches

Keep all appointments, including for blood work, while you are taking Hemady. Hemady may cause changes in your electrolyte levels, including low potassium levels. If needed, your healthcare provider may advise that you adjust your diet.

People who are age 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Hemady. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while you are taking Hemady. If you think you have been exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Hemady?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Hemady is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hemady may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Hemady, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using Hemady. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Hemady may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking Hemady right away and contact your healthcare provider. It is important to use birth control (such as a birth control pill or condoms) while using Hemady and for at least one month after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Hemady and for at least two weeks after your last dose. It is unknown if Hemady can pass into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Hemady?

For more information about Hemady, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.hemady.com or call them at 877-381-3336.

Interactions

Does Hemady interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Hemady and foods or non-alcoholic drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Hemady, but both Hemady and alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Hemady interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Hemady.

  • Cholestyramine (Prevalite), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • A cholinesterase inhibitor, such as rivastigmine or donepezil (which is a medicine commonly used for Alzheimer’s disease) or pyridostigmine (which is a medicine commonly used for myasthenia gravis)
  • Ephedrine, which is a medicine that may be used to treat asthma
  • Estrogen, which is found in certain birth control pills, patches, creams, rings, or vaginal suppositories
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A medicine that may lower your potassium levels, such as certain diuretics used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • Isoniazid, which is a medicine used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • A medicine that helps your heart muscle have a stronger contraction, such as digoxin (Lanoxin)
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • An erythropoietic stimulating agent, such as epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit) or darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp), which is a medicine used to make more red blood cells in your body
  • Thalidomide, which is a medicine used to treat a skin condition called leprosy and to help treat multiple myeloma

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Hemady, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Hemady. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Hemady?

If you or someone else has used too much Hemady, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Hemady?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.