Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone (often called ‘dexa’) is a corticosteroid, a hormone that is also produced naturally by the body. Children with leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma receive extra dexamethasone. In a high dose it destroys leukemia and lymphoma cells, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the effect of certain chemotherapy. Children with a brain tumor sometimes receive a short course of dexamethasone to reduce pressure in the brain.
Dexamethasone is an essential part of treatment. Possible side effects include:
increased appetite, weight gain, changes in fat distribution, and fluid retention, which may cause a ‘moon face’ and a swollen belly
changes in behavior, restlessness, irritability, aggressive behavior, trouble sleeping, and sometimes depression
increased blood sugar and/or sugar in the urine
increased blood pressure
less obvious signs of infection
acne
It is important to know that not every child experiences side effects.