What is MAS Care-Pak? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take MAS Care-Pak

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, a needle placed in a vein, or directly into a joint.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of MAS Care-Pak

MAS Care-Pak contraindications - Who shouldn't take MAS Care-Pak?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone or sulfites, or if you have a fungal infection.

MAS Care-Pak warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, glaucoma, herpes infection of the eye, asthma, allergies, osteoporosis, stomach or bowel problems, myasthenia gravis, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure or heart failure, or if you had a recent heart attack. Also tell your doctor if you have any type of infection or a history of depression or mental problems.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Mood or behavior changesHigher blood pressure, retaining water, changes in salt or potassium levels in your bodyCataracts or glaucoma (with long-term use)Bone loss (with long-term use)Slow growth in children (with long-term use)

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to chicken pox, measles, or any other serious infection. Tell your doctor if you had a serious infection in the past, such as tuberculosis.

• Tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• If this medicine is injected into one of your joints, follow your doctor's instructions about resting the joint, even if it feels better.

• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or red or black stools

• Worsened joint pain, swelling, or stiffness

MAS Care-Pak interactions & what to avoid when taking MAS Care-Pak

• Some medicines can affect how dexamethasone works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following: Amphotericin BAspirinBlood thinner, such as warfarinDiuretic (water pill, such as spironolactone, triamterene)IndomethacinPhenytoin, phenobarbitalRifampinThalidomide

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine could cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor right away if you are exposed to chicken pox, measles, or any other serious infection. Tell your doctor if you had a serious infection in the past, such as tuberculosis.

• Tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• If this medicine is injected into one of your joints, follow your doctor's instructions about resting the joint, even if it feels better.