Side effects
The side effects that may occur when taking Fortecortin® depend on the dosage and duration of treatment as well as on the patient (age, sex, health condition). The shorter the duration of therapy, the lower the probability of adverse effects. The following symptoms are typical side effects of Fortecortin® and other dexamethasone products
- Infections- the subdued immune system increases the risk of infection, hypersensitivity reactions up to anaphylactic shock,
- Blood or lymphatic disorders, endocrine disorders such as adrenal failure or Cushing’s syndrome; metabolic disorders (reduced glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels), disorders of the nervous system (the risk of a seizure may increase), glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), cataract (clouding of the lens), eye infections, Arteriosclerosis (calcification of the vessels), inflammation of the vessels, gastric bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers, tendon disorders, muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, skin dysfunction such as bruising, spot-like skin bleeding, delayed wound healing, altered skin pigmentation; loss of menstrual bleeding, abnormal hair growth, impotence
Overdose
An acute overdose of Fortecortin® is very rare. Long-term therapy with glucocorticoids may result in an overdose, which is mainly manifested by altered metabolism, electrolyte balance and hormone balance. A special antidote has not yet been developed.
In the case of an overdose with Fortecortin®, the undesirable effects are treated symptomatically. For example, if the sodium balance in the body is disturbed, it is restored by infusions.
