Hemady

Dexamethasone · Tablet · Oral

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE HEMADY is indicated in combination with other anti-myeloma products for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma (MM). HEMADY is a corticosteroid indicated in combination with other anti-myeloma products for the treatment of adults with multiple myeloma. (‎ 1 )

Dosage and administration

Recommended Dosage: 20 mg or 40 mg orally once daily, on specific days depending on the protocol regimen. ( ‎2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of HEMADY is 20 mg or 40 mg, orally, once daily, on specific days depending on the treatment regimen. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used in combination with HEMADY for specific HEMADY dosing. HEMADY can be administered with or without food. 2.2 Dose Modification for Elderly Patients Dose-reduction for HEMADY is recommended for elderly patients, due to increased toxicity in these patients. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used as part of a combination regimen with HEMADY, for dosing recommendations in elderly patients.

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets: 20 mg white, round, biconvex tablet embossed with “20” on one side. Tablets: 20 mg ( ‎3 )

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS HEMADY is contraindicated in patients with: Hypersensitivity to dexamethasone, or any of the excipients. Rare instances of anaphylactic reactions have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 ), Description ( ‎11 )] . Systemic fungal infections. Corticosteroids may exacerbate systemic fungal infections [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.2 )] .
• Patients with hypersensitivity to dexamethasone (‎ 4 )
• Patients with systemic fungal infections (‎ 4 )

Warnings and precautions

• Alterations in Endocrine Function: Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, and hyperglycemia can occur. Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use. ( ‎5.1 )
• Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections: Increased risk of new, exacerbation, dissemination, or reactivation of latent infections. (‎ 5.2 )
• Alteration in Cardiovascular/Renal Function: Monitor for elevated blood pressure and sodium, and for decreased potassium levels. (‎ 5.3 )
• Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism: Risk increased; consider anticoagulant prophylaxis and monitor for evidence of thromboembolism. (‎ 5.4 )
• Vaccination: Avoid the administration of live or live attenuated vaccines in patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. ( ‎5.5 )
• Ophthalmic Effects: May include cataracts, infections, and glaucoma. (‎ 5.6 )
• Gastrointestinal Perforation: Avoid use in active or latent peptic ulcers, diverticulitis, fresh intestinal anastomoses, and nonspecific ulcerative colitis, since they may increase the risk of a perforation. (‎ 5.7 )
• Osteoporosis: Increased risk; monitor for changes in bone density with chronic use. (‎ 5.8 )
• Behavioral and Mood Disturbances: May include euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychosis. Monitor for signs and symptoms and manage promptly. ( ‎5.10 )
• Kaposi’s Sarcoma: Kaposi’s sarcoma has been reported to occur in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, most often for chronic conditions. (‎ 5.11 )
• Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. (‎ 5.13 , ‎8.1 ) 5.1 Alterations in Endocrine Function Corticosteroids, such as HEMADY, can cause serious and life-threatening alterations in endocrine function, especially with chronic use. Monitor patients receiving HEMADY for adrenal insufficiency after corticosteroid withdrawal and Cushing’s syndrome and hyperglycemia while receiving corticosteroids. In addition, patients with hypopituitarism, primary adrenal insufficiency, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, altered thyroid function, or pheochromocytoma may be at risk for adverse endocrine events. Risk of Adrenal Insufficiency Following Corticosteroid Withdrawal Corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, with the potential for the development of secondary adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of corticosteroid treatment. Acute adrenal insufficiency can occur if glucocorticoids are withdrawn abruptly and can be fatal. The degree and duration of adrenocortical insufficiently produced is variable among patients and depends on the dose, frequency, and duration of glucocorticoid therapy. The risk may be reduced by gradually tapering the corticosteroid dose when withdrawing treatment. This insufficiency may persist for months after discontinuation of therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period, corticosteroid therapy should be reinstituted. For patients already taking corticosteroids during times of stress, the dosage may have to be increased. A steroid “withdrawal syndrome”, seemingly unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency, may also occur following abrupt discontinuance of corticosteroids. This syndrome includes symptoms such as: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, fever, joint pain, desquamation, myalgia, and/or weight loss. These effects are thought to be due to the sudden change in glucocorticoid concentration rather than to low corticosteroid levels. Cushing’s Syndrome Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) may occur with prolonged exposure to exogenous corticosteroids, including HEMADY. Symptoms include hypertension, truncal obesity and thinning of the limbs, purple striae, facial rounding, facial plethora, muscle weakness, easy and frequent bruising with thin fragile skin, posterior neck fat deposition, osteopenia, acne, amenorrhea, hirsutism and psychiatric abnormalities. Using the lowest dose of corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible may reduce the risk. Hyperglycemia Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose, worsen pre-existing diabetes, and predispose those on long-term therapy to diabetes mellitus, and may reduce the effect of the antidiabetic drugs. Monitor blood glucose at regular intervals. For patients with hyperglycemia, anti-diabetic treatment should be initiated or adjusted accordingly. Considerations for Use in Patients with Altered Thyroid Function Metabolic clearance of corticosteroids is decreased in hypothyroid patients and increased in hyperthyroid patients. Changes in thyroid status of the patient may necessitate a dose adjustment of the corticosteroid. When concomitant administration of corticosteroids and levothyroxine is required, administration of corticosteroid should precede the initiation of levothyroxine therapy to avoid adrenal crisis. Pheochromocytoma Crisis There have been reports of pheochromocytoma crisis, which can be fatal, after administration of systemic corticosteroids. In patients with suspected or identified pheochromocytoma, consider the risk of pheochromocytoma crisis prior to administering HEMADY. 5.2 Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with any pathogen, including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic pathogens. Corticosteroids can: Reduce resistance to new infections Exacerbate existing infections Increase the risk of disseminated infections Increase the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of latent infections Mask some signs of infection Corticosteroid-associated infections can be mild but can be severe and at times fatal. The rate of infectious complications increases with increasing corticosteroid dosages. Monitor for the development of infection and consider HEMADY withdrawal or dosage reduction as needed.

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described in detail in other labeling sections: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( ‎4 )] Alterations in Endocrine Function [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.1 )] Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.2 ) ] Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.3 )] Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.4 )] Vaccination [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.5 )] Ophthalmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.6 )] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.7 )] Osteoporosis [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.8 )] Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.9 )] Behavioral and Mood Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.10 )] Kaposi's Sarcoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.11 )] HEMADY in Combination with Anti-Myeloma Products [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.12 )] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.13 )] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of HEMADY or other corticosteroids were identified in clinical trials or postmarketing reports. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency reliably or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Allergic reactions: Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylaxis, angioedema. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Leukocytosis. Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac enlargement, circulatory collapse, congestive heart failure, fat embolism, hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in premature infants, myocardial rupture following recent myocardial infarction, edema, pulmonary edema, syncope, tachycardia, thromboembolism, thrombophlebitis, vasculitis. Dermatologic: Acne, allergic dermatitis, cutaneous and subcutaneous atrophy, dry scaly skin, ecchymoses and petechiae, edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, impaired wound healing, increased sweating, sterile abscess, rash, striae, suppressed reactions to skin tests, thin fragile skin, thinning scalp hair, urticaria. Endocrine: Decreased carbohydrate and glucose tolerance, development of cushingoid state, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetes, manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus, menstrual irregularities, secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness (particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery, or illness), suppression of growth in pediatric patients. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances: Fluid retention, hypokalemic alkalosis, potassium loss, sodium retention, increased urinary excretion of calcium, tumor lysis syndrome. Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, elevation in serum liver enzyme levels (usually reversible upon discontinuation), hepatomegaly, increased appetite, nausea, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage, perforation of the small and large intestine (particularly in patients with inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative esophagitis. Infection: Decreased resistance to infection, injection site infections following non-sterile administration. Metabolic: Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism. Musculoskeletal: Osteonecrosis of femoral and humeral heads, Charcot-like arthropathy, loss of muscle mass, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pathologic fracture of long bones, steroid myopathy, tendon rupture, vertebral compression fractures. Neurological: Convulsions, epidural lipomatosis, headache, increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudotumor cerebri) usually following discontinuation of treatment, neuritis, neuropathy, paresthesia, vertigo. Ophthalmic: Central serous chorioretinopathy, exophthalmos, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, posterior subcapsular cataracts, vision blurred. Other: Abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, weight gain. Psychiatric: Depression, emotional instability, euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, psychosis. Reproductive: Alteration in motility and number of spermatozoa. The most common adverse reactions are cardiovascular, dermatologic, endocrine, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, gastrointestinal, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological/psychiatric, ophthalmic, abnormal fat deposits, decreased resistance to infection, hiccups, increased or decreased motility and number of spermatozoa, malaise, moon face, and weight gain. (‎ 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals, LLC, at 877-381-3336 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Drug interactions

• Avoid concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. (‎ 7.1 )
• Concomitant therapies such as erythropoietin stimulating agents or estrogen containing therapies may have an increased risk of thromboembolism. ( ‎7.2 ) 7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on HEMADY Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors Coadministration of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors increased dexamethasone exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (‎ 12.3 )] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Avoid coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or consider alternative medication that are not strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors cannot be avoided, closely monitor for adverse drug reactions. Strong CYP3A4 inducers Coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inducers may decrease dexamethasone exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (‎ 12.3 )] , which may result in loss of efficacy. Avoid coadministration of strong CYP3A4 inducers or consider alternative medication that are not CYP3A4 inducers. If concomitant use strong CYP3A4 inducers cannot be avoided, consider increasing the dose of HEMADY. Cholestyramine Cholestyramine may increase the clearance of corticosteroids and potentially decrease corticosteroid exposure. Avoid coadministration of cholestyramine and HEMADY and consider alternative agents. Anticholinesterases Concomitant use of anticholinesterase agents and corticosteroids may produce severe weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. If possible, anticholinesterase agents should be withdrawn at least 24 hours before initiating corticosteroid therapy. Ephedrine Ephedrine may decrease dexamethasone exposure. Decreased exposure may result in loss of efficacy. Consider increasing the dose of HEMADY when used concomitantly with ephedrine. Estrogens, Including Oral Contraceptives Estrogens may decrease the hepatic metabolism of certain corticosteroids and increase exposures, which may increase the risk of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . 7.2 Effect of HEMADY on Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Coadministration of dexamethasone with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates may decrease the concentration of these drugs. This may result in loss of efficacy of these drugs. Oral Anticoagulants Coadministration of anticoagulants with corticosteroids may reduce the response to anticoagulants [see Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Frequently monitor coagulation indices to maintain the desired anticoagulant effect when administered with HEMADY. Amphotericin B Injection and Potassium-Depleting Agents Sodium retention with resultant edema and potassium loss may occur in patients receiving corticosteroids [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.3 ), and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Closely monitor potassium levels when potassium-depleting agents are coadministered with HEMADY. In addition, there have been cases reported in which concomitant use of amphotericin B and hydrocortisone was followed by cardiac enlargement and congestive heart failure. Antidiabetics Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, may increase blood glucose concentrations [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Consider adjusting the dose of antidiabetic agents, as necessary, when coadministered with HEMADY. Isoniazid Serum concentrations of isoniazid may be decreased with corticosteroids. Cyclosporine Increased activity of both cyclosporine and corticosteroids may occur when the two are used concurrently. Convulsions have been reported with this concurrent use. Digitalis Glycosides Patients on digitalis glycosides may be at increased risk of arrhythmias due to hypokalemia [ see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.3 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDS) Concomitant use of aspirin (or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) and corticosteroids increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.7 ) and Adverse Reactions (‎ 6 )] . The clearance of salicylates may be increased with concurrent use of corticosteroids. Monitor for toxicity when aspirin is used in conjunction with HEMADY in hypoprothrombinemia. Phenytoin In post-marketing experience, there have been reports of both increases and decreases in phenytoin levels with dexamethasone coadministration, leading to alterations in seizure control. Vaccines Patients on corticosteroid therapy may exhibit a diminished response to toxoids and live or inactivated vaccines due to inhibition of antibody response. Corticosteroids may also potentiate the replication of some organisms contained in live attenuated vaccines. If possible, defer routine administration of vaccines or toxoids until HEMADY therapy is discontinued [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.5 )] . Concomitant Therapies that May Increase the Risk of Thromboembolism Erythropoietic agents, or other agents that may increase the risk of thromboembolism, such as estrogen containing therapies, coadministered with HEMADY may increase the risk of thromboembolism. Monitor for risk of thromboembolism in patients with MM receiving anti-myeloma products with HEMADY [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.4 )] . Thalidomide Toxic epidermal necrolysis has been reported with concomitant use of thalidomide. Closely monitor for toxicity when thalidomide is coadministered with HEMADY. 7.3 Laboratory Test Interference Skin Tests Corticosteroids may suppress reactions to skin tests.

Use in specific populations

Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (‎ 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, readily cross the placenta. Adverse developmental outcomes including orofacial clefts (cleft lip with or without cleft palate), intrauterine growth restriction, and decreased birth weight have been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids, including HEMADY, during pregnancy. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities, embryo-fetal mortality, functional impairment, and alterations to growth at doses equivalent to or below the recommended doses (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. HEMADY is administered in combination with anti-myeloma products that can cause embryo-fetal harm and are contraindicated for use in pregnancy. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used in combination with HEMADY for additional information. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Human Data HEMADY should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Multiple courses of antenatal dexamethasone had been associated with reduced birth weight, susceptibility to infections, and increase blood glucose level in the newborns. Neonatal hypoglycemia was also reported. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. Animal Data In pregnant animals administered dexamethasone during organogenesis, doses equivalent to or below the recommended human dose have caused adverse developmental outcomes including structural abnormalities (cleft palate), alterations to growth (growth restrictions including reduced bone lengths and fetal weights), functional impairment (neurodevelopmental and metabolic effects), and embryo-fetal mortality (reduced number of embryonic implantations and fewer live fetuses). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating HEMADY [see Use in Specific Populations ( ‎8.1 )] . HEMADY is used in combination with other anti-myeloma products that require pregnancy testing in females of reproductive potential. Refer to the Prescribing Information for the products used in combination with HEMADY. Contraception Advise patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HEMADY and for at least one month following the final dose of HEMADY. HEMADY is used in combination with other anti-myeloma products that require contraception in females and males of reproductive potential. Refer to the Prescribing Information for the products used in combination with HEMADY. Infertility Males Steroids may increase or decrease motility and number of spermatozoa in some patients. In animals, dexamethasone affects male spermatogenesis [see Nonclinical Toxicology (‎ 13.1 )] . 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience with dexamethasone has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. However, the incidence of corticosteroid-induced adverse reactions may be increased in geriatric patients and are dose-related. Osteoporosis is the most frequently encountered complication, which occurs at a higher incidence rate in corticosteroid-treated geriatric patients as compared to younger populations and in age-matched controls. Losses of bone mineral density appear to be greatest early on in the course of treatment and may recover over time after steroid withdrawal or use of lower doses. Higher doses increase the relative risk of both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, even in the presence of higher bone density compared to patients with involution osteoporosis. Perform routine screening of geriatric patients, including regular assessments of bone mineral density and institution of fracture prevention strategies, along with regular review of the dose of and need for continued dexamethasone therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.8 )] . HEMADY is used in combination with other anti-myeloma products. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used as part of a combination regimen with HEMADY, for information on the use of those products in elderly patients.

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Corticosteroids, including HEMADY, readily cross the placenta. Adverse developmental outcomes including orofacial clefts (cleft lip with or without cleft palate), intrauterine growth restriction, and decreased birth weight have been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids, including HEMADY, during pregnancy. In animal developmental and reproductive toxicology studies administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals during organogenesis resulted in structural abnormalities, embryo-fetal mortality, functional impairment, and alterations to growth at doses equivalent to or below the recommended doses (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. HEMADY is administered in combination with anti-myeloma products that can cause embryo-fetal harm and are contraindicated for use in pregnancy. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used in combination with HEMADY for additional information. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Human Data HEMADY should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Multiple courses of antenatal dexamethasone had been associated with reduced birth weight, susceptibility to infections, and increase blood glucose level in the newborns. Neonatal hypoglycemia was also reported. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. Animal Data In pregnant animals administered dexamethasone during organogenesis, doses equivalent to or below the recommended human dose have caused adverse developmental outcomes including structural abnormalities (cleft palate), alterations to growth (growth restrictions including reduced bone lengths and fetal weights), functional impairment (neurodevelopmental and metabolic effects), and embryo-fetal mortality (reduced number of embryonic implantations and fewer live fetuses).

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric use

8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience with dexamethasone has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. However, the incidence of corticosteroid-induced adverse reactions may be increased in geriatric patients and are dose-related. Osteoporosis is the most frequently encountered complication, which occurs at a higher incidence rate in corticosteroid-treated geriatric patients as compared to younger populations and in age-matched controls. Losses of bone mineral density appear to be greatest early on in the course of treatment and may recover over time after steroid withdrawal or use of lower doses. Higher doses increase the relative risk of both vertebral and nonvertebral fractures, even in the presence of higher bone density compared to patients with involution osteoporosis. Perform routine screening of geriatric patients, including regular assessments of bone mineral density and institution of fracture prevention strategies, along with regular review of the dose of and need for continued dexamethasone therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.8 )] . HEMADY is used in combination with other anti-myeloma products. Refer to the Prescribing Information of the other anti-myeloma products used as part of a combination regimen with HEMADY, for information on the use of those products in elderly patients.

Overdosage

Treatment of overdosage is by supportive and symptomatic therapy. In the case of acute overdosage, according to the patient’s condition, supportive therapy may include gastric lavage or induced vomiting.

Description

(dexamethasone, USP) is an anti-inflammatory, 9-fluoro-glucocorticoid. The chemical name is 9-fluoro-11β,17,21trihydroxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione. The molecular weight is 392.47 g/mol. The molecular formula is C 22 H 29 FO 5. The structural formula is: Dexamethasone is a white to practically white, odorless, crystalline powder. It is stable in air. It is practically insoluble in water. HEMADY for oral administration is available as an immediate-release tablet in a strength of 20 mg. Each tablet contains dexamethasone USP and the following inactive ingredients: corn starch NF, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, povidone NF, and sodium starch glycolate NF. 1

Mechanism of action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory effects and low mineralocorticoid activity. The precise mechanism of action in multiple myeloma is unknown. Dexamethasone induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells.

How supplied

How Supplied 20 mg tablet: white, round, biconvex tablets embossed "20" on one side. NDC 82111-955-01: Bottle of 24, NDC 82111-955-02: Bottle of 100 Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) excursions permitted 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant, child resistant container.

Patient information

Discuss the following with patients prior to treatment with HEMADY: Administration HEMADY is administered as part of combination regimens with anti-myeloma products; instruct patients to take HEMADY exactly as prescribed in the Prescribing Information of the anti-myeloma products administered with HEMADY [see Dosage and Administration ( ‎2.1 ) and Warning and Precautions (‎ 5.12 )] . Inform elderly patients regarding dose-reduction, if needed [see Dosage and Administration (‎ 2.2 ) and Use in Specific Populations (‎ 8.5 )] . Warn patients to not stop taking HEMADY abruptly or without first checking with their healthcare providers as there may be a need for gradual dose reduction to decrease the risk of adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.1 )] . HEMADY may be taken with or without food. Alterations in Endocrine Function Advise patients to inform any medical attendants that they are taking corticosteroids, as prolonged use may cause adrenal insufficiency, Cushing's syndrome and make patients dependent on corticosteroids. Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if they have diabetes, or thyroid gland problems as the dose of medications used to control these other conditions may need to be adjusted while they are taking HEMADY [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.1 )] . Advise the patient that, following prolonged therapy, withdrawal of corticosteroids may result in symptoms of the corticosteroid withdrawal syndrome including myalgia, arthralgia, and malaise. Advise patients to not discontinue use of HEMADY abruptly or without medical supervision [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.1 )] . Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection Advise patients that they are at increased risk of infection. Tell patients to inform their healthcare provider if they have had recent or ongoing infections or if they have recently received a vaccine. Medical advice should be sought immediately if the patient develops fever or other signs of infection. Patients should be made aware that some infections can potentially be severe and fatal [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.2 )] . Warn patients who are on corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and to alert their healthcare provider immediately if they are exposed [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.2 )] . Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function Inform patients that HEMADY can cause an increase in blood pressure and water retention. If this occurs, dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be needed [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.3 )] . Venous and Arterial Thromboembolism Inform patients of the potential risk of developing venous and arterial thromboembolism and discuss the need for appropriate prophylactic treatment [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.4 )] . Vaccination Inform patients that they may receive concurrent vaccinations with use of HEMADY, except for live-attenuated or live vaccines [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.5 )] . Ophthalmic Effects Inform patients that HEMADY may cause cataracts or glaucoma and advise monitoring if corticosteroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.6 )] . Gastrointestinal Perforation HEMADY may increase the risk of developing gastrointestinal perforation. Advise patients to promptly seek medical attention if they develop unusually severe, persistent or worsening abdominal pain. Warn patients to avoid corticosteroids if there is a possibility of gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.7 )] . Osteoporosis Advise patients about the risk of osteoporosis with prolonged use of HEMADY, which can predispose the patient to vertebral and long bone fractures [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.8 )] . Myopathy Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience new or worsening symptoms of myopathy such as unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.9 )] . Behavioral and Mood Disturbances Advise patients about the potential for severe behavioral and mood changes with HEMADY and encourage them to seek medical attention if psychiatric symptoms develop [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.10 )] . Kaposi’s Sarcoma Advise patients about the risk of Kaposi’s sarcoma in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy. Advise patients to discontinue HEMADY in case Kaposi’s sarcoma is diagnosed [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.11 )] . HEMADY in Combination with Anti-Myeloma Products Advise patients about the risk of adverse reactions which may occur when HEMADY is taken in combination with anti-myeloma products. Inform patients of the possible adverse reactions that could occur with the prescribed combination regimen, as detailed in the Prescribing Information of these products [see Warnings and Precautions (‎ 5.12 )] . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females to contact their healthcare provider if they become pregnant, or if pregnancy is suspected, during treatment with HEMADY [see Warnings and Precautions ( ‎5.13 ) and Use in Specific Populations (‎ 8.1 )] . Drug Interactions Certain medications can cause an interaction with HEMADY. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of all the medicines the patient is taking, including over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Inform patients that alternate therapy, dosage adjustment, and/or special test(s) may be needed during the treatment [see Drug Interactions (‎ 7.1 , ‎ 7.2 )] . Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Advise patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with HEMADY and for at least one month after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations ( ‎8.3 )] . Lactation Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with HEMADY and for 2 weeks after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (‎ 8.2 )] .

Label text from the FDA structured product label by Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC. (revised Jan 9, 2026). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.

Active ingredients

Dexamethasone in 1 product

Hemady NDC products (1)

NDC	Strength & form	Labeler	Type
82111-955	Dexamethasone 20 mg/1 Tablet	Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC.	NDA

Frequently asked questions

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Hemady is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Edenbridge Pharmaceuticals LLC..