Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my dexamethasone

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your dexamethasone using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for dexamethasone, Canadian Prescription Savings for dexamethasone, dexamethasone Drug Coupons, dexamethasone Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is dexamethasone available in?

Accepted Answer

dexamethasone is available as a 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, and 6 mg oral tablet as well as a 0.5 mg/5 ml oral solution.

Question 3

What is dexamethasone used for?

Accepted Answer

dexamethasone is a corticosteroid and is used to treat allergies and allergic reactions, skin conditions, hormone-related conditions, eye conditions, stomach conditions, respiratory disorders, autoimmune and rheumatic conditions, multiple myeloma (Hemady brand only), blood cancers, and other blood-related conditions, certain eye conditions, nervous system and brain conditions, kidney diseases, and shock.

Question 4

How does dexamethasone work?

Accepted Answer

dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that’s similar to a hormone that your body naturally makes, called cortisol. It lowers swelling (inflammation) and other immune responses that can cause you pain, discomfort, or harm.

Question 5

How do I take dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

dexamethasone is typically taken by mouth with doses ranging from 0.75 mg to 9 mg daily, depending on your medical condition.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

dexamethasone is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication if you have a systemic fungal infection.

Question 7

dexamethasone Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of dexamethasone include:  Difficulty sleeping Higher blood sugar levels Headache Mood swings Nausea Stomach pain Feeling more hungry Weight gain

Question 8

dexamethasone Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with dexamethasone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.  Allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling (on your face, lips, mouth, or throat), peeling skin, rash, and hives

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on dexamethasone

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with dexamethasone:  Phenytoin, phenobarbital, ephedrine, and rifampin – May decrease the levels and effects of dexamethasone Warfarin – May alter PT time (prothrombin time – how quickly your blood forms a clot) Potassium depleting diuretics – May increase risk of hypokalemia

Question 10

Who makes dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is dexamethasone safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

It is not known if dexamethasone will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving dexamethasone, talk to your healthcare provider. Infants born of mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism.

Question 12

What is the brand name for dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

DECADRONOZURDEX

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my dexamethasone prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your dexamethasone prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient dexamethasone savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient dexamethasone savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for dexamethasone	Canadian Prescription Savings* for dexamethasone	dexamethasone Drug Coupon*	dexamethasone Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of dexamethasone?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for dexamethasone	Canadian Prescription Savings* for dexamethasone	dexamethasone Drug Coupon*	dexamethasone Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the dexamethasone savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the dexamethasone drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for dexamethasone, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the dexamethasone prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, dexamethasone is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed dexamethasone for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the dexamethasone prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the dexamethasone prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for dexamethasone

If you are having trouble paying for your dexamethasone medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for dexamethasone you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
dexamethasone is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers dexamethasone
If dexamethasone is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for dexamethasone

If you are having trouble paying for your dexamethasone medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for dexamethasone you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers dexamethasone
If dexamethasone is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for dexamethasone

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your dexamethasone treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for dexamethasone you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for dexamethasone
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.