Decadron's Long-Term Side Effects
Decadron is a prescription corticosteroid medication used to relieve inflammation. Despite its effectiveness, Decadron poses a risk for certain complications when used long-term.
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Side Effects
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Common side effects of Decadron develop early during treatment and continue throughout long-term use. These include indigestion and increased appetite, which leads to weight gain over time.
Risk: Cardiovascular System
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Long-term use of Decadron poses a risk for serious cardiovascular side effects, including heart rate irregularities, arrhythmia, blood clots, stroke, heart failure and cardiac arrest.
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Risk: Diabetes
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Decadron causes increases in blood sugar levels, which over time results in type 2 diabetes in some patients. The development of diabetes requires lifelong treatment to avoid potential complications like heart disease, blindness and amputation of your feet due to poor circulation.
Risk: Cushing's Syndrome
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Because Decadron increases the amount of cortisol in your body, it places you at risk for Cushing's syndrome, a chronic condition caused by excess cortisol. Complications of Cushing's syndrome include high blood pressure, kidney stones, osteoporosis, frequent viral, bacterial and fungal infections and loss of muscular strength.
Considerations
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After taking Decadron for a long period, it is possible to develop symptoms of withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking it. These include pain in your muscles, bones and joints, nausea, headaches and fever.
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