[suzierose]

Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by suzierose on Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:50 am

Does anyone know where to find more information about this side effect?

I read a lot and had noticed I was getting this kinda blurry think going on when reading, but thought it was just being fatigue from reading. And would blink to clear image for L eye.(didn't clear blur) perhaps it is an initial symptom of ocular effects?

Now I am beginning to wonder. I plan to have an eye exam...but wanted more information.
Particularly regarding, if this is seen early, happens gradually (cummulative) with therapy, is dose related or idiosyncratic?

Are there any studies on this A.E.?
Perhaps, I need to write the mfgr for details?
I know how pharma keeps stuff under radar without specific requests for medical information, but also know the agent has been on market over 50 years and there should be loads of data..even if not recent and accessible easily on the net.

Any information would we appreciated.

Thanks.

[Radbadad]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by Radbadad on Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:17 pm

I had two rounds of DEX along with Vel/Cytox during induction therapy during September and October. Did not notice any vision side effects.

Today a had an eye exam and there were no issues found and my prescription was the same as July 2010.

Dex messed with me emotionally, but no issue with vision. I was also fortunate that it appears I had no neuropathology from the Velcade.

During my induction chemo I was very strict with my diet and supplemented with l-glutamine, fish oil, vitamin B, melatonin, and vitamin D. Also drank lots of water and used an electrolyte replacement (low sugar)...around 120 ounces a day.

[Sarah]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by Sarah on Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:54 pm

Susie: My husband is on Revlimid/Dex (40 mg Dex weekly on the weeks he takes the Revlimid). He's often bothered by the blurry vision, that you mentioned, on the day he takes the Dex. Otherwise, he has no problems.

Sarah
Wife/Caregiver to Bob - Dxd Oct., 2010
Stage III - IgG Kappa

[suzierose]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by suzierose on Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:53 pm

Thanks Sarah!!
Those are the days I am bothered too.

[suzierose]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by suzierose on Mon Dec 05, 2011 8:55 pm

Hey Rabbadad!!

I do not EVEN wanna talk about the emotional SE's of DEX...too numerous!! I think the forum has experienced my swings...

Drinking water constantly too!!

Thanks for the reply!!

[Patenaudee@gmail.com]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by Patenaudee@gmail.com on Tue Dec 06, 2011 12:51 am

Hi! Steroid induced cateracts are a common occurrence. I had to have surgery on both eyes for cateracts after about a year on dex. I would definitely see the eye specialist sooner rather than later. Mine came on quickly and worsened quickly. The surgery is an easy one. I was off chemo for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after. Don't know why the docs do not warn people about eye issues with dex. Dex can also raise you blood sugar levels significantly.
Best to you,
Libby

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Dexamethasone Ocular Side Effects

by Dr. Edward Libby on Thu Dec 08, 2011 1:29 am

Hello Suzierose,
The most common eye side effects of steroids are cataracts and glaucoma.

Cataracts are not uncommon after prolonged steroid use. They are often bilateral, develop slowly, and may stabilize if the steroid dose is significantly lowered. It has been suggested that cataract formation is a dose- and time-dependent side effect that rarely occurs with low dose steroids or with treatment for less than one year. However, other experts believe there is no minimal safe dose with respect to this complication.

Steroids can also increase intraocular pressure. This form of glaucoma occurs most commonly in patients who use glucocorticoid eye drops, although it has been infrequently observed in chronic systemic steroid use. The glaucoma usually occurs in patients who have a family history of glaucoma.

I agree that getting an eye exam is a good idea.

Good luck from here in rainy Seattle !