Missed pre chemo steroids

Hi. Ive tried contacting my hospital but they didn’t know. I was due to take 4 2mg dexamethasone tablets this morning but forgot. Should i take them when i get home and then space out second dose to later tonight?

Leaflet in box says if its under 12 hours since dose was due to take them.

Thank you

Personally I would take them as you suggested. It may mean that you wont sleep much but I never slept after the steroids even though I took the last one at lunch time :roll_eyes:

It is quite safe to take 16mgs in a day as this was the dose i was given when i was on Docetaxel.

No-one from hospital got back to me, so ive taken 4x2mg. I’ll take the others later after theatre trip. I reckon I’ll be awake all night anyway! Thanks @pat. I seem to recall being told that the reason we take last lot by 5pm is so we can sleep and i never sleep well on the steroids anyway. Leaflet said i could take within 12 hours and it is. X

Hi bluesatsuma,

Thanks for posting.

Dexamethasone is used as an anti-sickness medication when given with chemotherapy. As you mention in your post, it can have side effects including problems with sleep, particularly when taken later in the day.

Although you have had some helpful advice from @pat, we would always suggest contacting your treatment team or chemotherapy unit in the first instance, as they are best placed to advise you on an individual basis. I see from your later post that you did not hear back from the hospital. At the time of starting treatment, you should have been given a 24-hour advice line, this can be another option to contact should you need specific advice in the future.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.

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Best wishes

Katie

Breast Care Nurse

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