Dexamethasone

[sharroN42]

Does anyone in our community know anything about dexamethasone? I was put on it to raise blood platelets prior to a tooth extraction. It did raise my platelets from 22 to 80 but really did a number on me with diabolical side effects. My haematologist suggests I go on a 25 mg dose once every two weeks. Any advice?

Thanks,

Frankie

[Kyriak51]

Hi, I was given Dexamethasone for 5 days without any side effects and no increase in platelet count. I’ve not heard of “25 mg every two weeks “, are you seeing a hematologist? When I have a tooth extraction I apply Hemodent, (buffered hemostatic solution for topical application) which stops the bleeding; ask no demand that your dentist use this product for your nex extraction! You also question the infective use of Dexamethasone 25mg every two weeks. Be well

[sharroN42 in reply to Kyriak51]

Thanks Kyriak51,

It was my haematologist who ordered the dexamethasone. My reaction to it was dreadful but it did increase my platelets temporarily to 80. Tooth was extracted beautifully. I do have a great dentist. What dosage of dexamethasone were you on?

Keep well.

[Kyriak51 in reply to sharroN42]

I was given 40mg daily for 4 days then one dose of IVIG which increased my platelets to 22K initially then dropped to 10K within 2 days. You were fortunate that your extraction was uneventful, my bleeding continued for 14 hours after initial dose as it was after office hours; for the next extraction I had my own bottle of Hemodent and was able to stop bleeding after 3 applications Hemodent about one and half hours. Be well

[sharroN42 in reply to Kyriak51]

I am so sorry to hear of your extraction problems. Wow! I hadn't heard of hemodent but will be sure to look into it for any further dental work. I had read that tranexamic acid stopped blood flow so had that (and tea bags) on hand. I am lucky to be able to have blood work done often and at no cost to me so had had my count checked the day before.

Stay well. 🍀

[HDuggan]

It raised my platelets drastically, but it had terrible side effects. I lost way too much weight and my heart had too many tachycardic episodes and I was put in the hospital. It was awful. My hematologist never prescribed it again.

[dnash58]

Was my steroid of choice. Very, very successful in raising platelet counts.

Lower doses were better than the initial 40mg daily

We trialed tapering 5-4-3-2-1 tablets daily and worked very well and no serious side effects

[sharroN42 in reply to dnash58]

Thanks dNash58,

It's interesting to know how differently we all respond to drugs. Dexamethasone was really hard on me in so many ways but it did increase my platelets so I will use it if I need surgery. How oftenand at what dose do you take it now? My doc says I may need 5 mg every 2 weeks.

Frankie