What is Deflazacort. How does Deflazacort work. What are the main uses of Deflazacort. What precautions should be taken when using Deflazacort. How to take Deflazacort properly. What are the potential side effects of Deflazacort. Why is it important to carry a Steroid Treatment Card.

Understanding Deflazacort: A Comprehensive Guide

Deflazacort is a powerful medication belonging to the class of corticosteroids, commonly referred to as steroids. This drug plays a crucial role in treating various inflammatory and allergic conditions in both adults and children. As with any potent medication, it’s essential to understand its uses, benefits, and potential risks before starting treatment.

What is Deflazacort?

Deflazacort is a synthetic glucocorticoid, a type of steroid hormone that mimics the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It’s available in tablet form and is marketed under brand names such as Calcort®.

The Mechanism of Action: How Deflazacort Works

Deflazacort works by interfering with the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation. But how exactly does this process occur?

• It suppresses the immune system’s response
• Reduces the production of inflammatory substances
• Decreases the activity of immune cells

This multi-faceted approach allows Deflazacort to effectively combat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Primary Uses of Deflazacort: Treating Various Conditions

Deflazacort is prescribed for a diverse array of medical conditions. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool in managing numerous health issues. What are the main conditions Deflazacort is used to treat?

1. Autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis)
2. Joint and muscle diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
3. Allergies and asthma
4. Certain types of cancer
5. Sarcoidosis

The broad spectrum of conditions that Deflazacort can address highlights its importance in modern medicine.

Important Precautions: Before Starting Deflazacort Treatment

Before initiating Deflazacort treatment, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about certain health conditions and factors. Why is this step so important?

Sharing your complete medical history allows your doctor to assess the suitability of Deflazacort for your specific situation and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. Be sure to mention if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Heart problems or a history of heart attack
• Liver or kidney issues
• Diabetes or glaucoma (personal or family history)
• Thyroid problems, osteoporosis, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis, stomach ulcers, or bowel disorders
• Any mental health concerns
• Current or past infections, including tuberculosis
• History of blood clots
• Recent or upcoming vaccinations

Additionally, inform your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements.

Proper Administration: How to Take Deflazacort Correctly

Taking Deflazacort correctly is essential for maximizing its benefits and minimizing potential side effects. How should you take this medication?

Follow these guidelines for proper Deflazacort administration:

• Take the prescribed dose with a glass of water during breakfast
• Adult dosage typically ranges from ½ to 3 tablets daily, but may be higher in acute cases
• Children may be prescribed alternate-day dosing
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember (with food)
• Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one
• Continue taking Deflazacort until your doctor advises you to stop

Remember, abruptly stopping Deflazacort can lead to complications, so always follow your doctor’s instructions for gradual dose reduction when it’s time to discontinue the medication.

The Steroid Treatment Card: A Vital Tool for Patient Safety

When prescribed Deflazacort for a course lasting more than three weeks, you’ll receive a ‘Steroid Treatment Card’. This small but crucial document serves several important purposes. Why is carrying this card essential?

The Steroid Treatment Card:

• Informs healthcare providers that you’re on steroid treatment
• Contains important advice for steroid users
• Records your dosage and treatment duration
• Identifies the prescribing physician

Always keep this card with you and ensure the information is up to date. It can be lifesaving in emergency situations or when receiving treatment from healthcare providers unfamiliar with your medical history.

Potential Side Effects and Complications of Deflazacort

Like all medications, Deflazacort can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential complications. What are the most common side effects of Deflazacort?

Common side effects may include:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood changes, including irritability or euphoria
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Skin thinning and easy bruising
• Stomach discomfort or indigestion
• Muscle weakness

Long-term use of Deflazacort may lead to more serious complications such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cataracts. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor and manage these risks.

Drug Interactions: Medications to Watch Out For

Deflazacort can interact with various other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Which drugs should you be particularly cautious about when taking Deflazacort?

Be sure to inform your doctor if you’re taking any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
• Diabetes medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Certain antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Immunosuppressants

This list is not exhaustive, so always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential drug interactions before starting any new medication while on Deflazacort.

Special Considerations for Long-Term Use

Long-term use of Deflazacort requires careful monitoring and management. What precautions should be taken for extended steroid therapy?

If you’re on long-term Deflazacort treatment:

• Attend regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and bone density
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health
• Exercise regularly to maintain muscle strength and bone density
• Be vigilant about signs of infection, as steroids can mask symptoms
• Discuss the need for calcium and vitamin D supplements with your doctor
• Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet indicating steroid use

Your healthcare provider may also recommend periodic breaks from the medication or alternate-day dosing to minimize long-term side effects.

Deflazacort in Pediatric Patients: Special Considerations

Deflazacort is sometimes prescribed for children, but its use in pediatric patients requires special attention. How does Deflazacort treatment differ for children?

When prescribing Deflazacort for children, doctors consider several factors:

• Growth and development: Steroids can potentially affect growth rates
• Dosage: Often calculated based on body weight
• Administration schedule: May involve alternate-day dosing to minimize side effects
• Duration of treatment: Typically kept as short as possible
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups to assess growth and potential side effects

Parents and caregivers should work closely with pediatricians to ensure the safe and effective use of Deflazacort in children.

Deflazacort vs. Other Corticosteroids: A Comparative Analysis

Deflazacort is one of several corticosteroids available for medical use. How does it compare to other steroids like prednisone or dexamethasone?

Deflazacort offers certain advantages over other corticosteroids:

• Potentially lower risk of growth suppression in children
• Possibly reduced impact on bone metabolism
• May have a lower risk of certain side effects, such as weight gain
• Longer duration of action compared to some other steroids

However, the choice between Deflazacort and other corticosteroids depends on various factors, including the specific condition being treated, patient characteristics, and potential side effects. Your doctor will consider these factors when selecting the most appropriate steroid for your situation.

Managing Withdrawal: Tapering Off Deflazacort Safely

When it’s time to stop taking Deflazacort, it’s crucial to do so gradually under medical supervision. Why is tapering off steroids so important?

Abruptly stopping steroid treatment can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a potentially dangerous condition where the body doesn’t produce enough natural steroids. Tapering allows the body to adjust and resume normal hormone production.

The tapering process typically involves:

• Gradually reducing the dose over several weeks or months
• Regular monitoring of symptoms and hormone levels
• Adjusting the tapering schedule as needed
• Providing supplemental steroids during times of stress or illness

Never attempt to stop or reduce your Deflazacort dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Deflazacort Treatment

While taking Deflazacort, certain lifestyle changes can help maximize its benefits and minimize potential side effects. What lifestyle modifications should patients consider?

Consider implementing these lifestyle changes:

• Follow a balanced, low-sodium diet to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention
• Engage in regular weight-bearing exercises to maintain bone density
• Practice good sleep hygiene to counteract potential sleep disturbances
• Limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects
• Quit smoking, as it can exacerbate some of the health risks associated with steroid use
• Practice stress-reduction techniques to help manage mood changes

Always discuss any significant lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re appropriate for your specific situation.

Future Developments: Research and Innovations in Corticosteroid Therapy

The field of corticosteroid therapy, including Deflazacort, continues to evolve. What future developments might we see in this area of medicine?

Ongoing research is focusing on several promising areas:

• Development of more targeted steroids with fewer systemic side effects
• Exploration of alternative delivery methods, such as inhaled or topical formulations
• Investigation of combination therapies to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects
• Use of genetic markers to predict individual responses to steroid therapy
• Development of novel compounds that mimic the beneficial effects of steroids without the associated risks

These advancements may lead to more personalized and effective treatments for conditions currently managed with Deflazacort and other corticosteroids.

The Role of Patient Education in Successful Deflazacort Treatment

Effective use of Deflazacort relies heavily on patient understanding and compliance. How can patient education improve treatment outcomes?

Comprehensive patient education should cover:

• The importance of taking the medication as prescribed
• Potential side effects and how to manage them
• The significance of not stopping treatment abruptly
• The need for regular follow-up appointments
• How to use the Steroid Treatment Card
• Lifestyle modifications that can support treatment

Well-informed patients are better equipped to manage their treatment effectively and communicate any concerns or side effects to their healthcare providers promptly.

Deflazacort tablets. Deflazacort medicine at Patient

Deflazacort tablets

Calcort

In this article

• About deflazacort
• Before taking deflazacort
• How to take deflazacort
• Getting the most from your treatment
• Can deflazacort cause problems?
• How to store deflazacort
• Important information about all medicines

About deflazacort

Deflazacort belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It is sometimes referred to simply as an oral steroid.

Corticosteroids like deflazacort are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some examples include autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoimmune hepatitis, sarcoidosis), joint and muscle diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis), and allergies and asthma. They are also used in the treatment of some cancers.

Deflazacort works by interfering with the release of certain chemicals in your body which cause inflammation.

Before taking deflazacort

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking deflazacort it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have had a heart attack, or if you have any other heart problems.
• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.
• If you (or a close family member) have either diabetes or an eye condition called glaucoma.
• If you have any of the following conditions: an underactive thyroid gland, ‘thinning’ of the bones (osteoporosis), epilepsy, a condition causing muscle weakness (called myasthenia gravis), a stomach ulcer, or a bowel disorder.
• If you have ever had a mental health problem.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Oral steroids like deflazacort can be taken while you are expecting or breastfeeding; however, it is important that your doctor knows about the baby.)
• If you have any kind of infection at the moment, or if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).
• If you have ever had an unwanted blood clot in an artery or a vein.
• If you have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever developed muscle pain after taking a steroid medicine.

How to take deflazacort

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information you are given by your doctor. These will give you more information about deflazacort and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.
• Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets to take for each dose. For an adult, the dose range is usually from ½-3 tablets daily, although it may be higher than this if you are acutely unwell. Take your dose in the morning during breakfast. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Children are sometimes prescribed a dose to take on alternate days only.
• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember (with something to eat). If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
• Continue to take deflazacort until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping taking the tablets suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want you to reduce your dose gradually over a period of time if/when this becomes necessary.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your course of treatment is due to last more than three weeks, you will be given a ‘Steroid Treatment Card’ which says that you are on steroids and contains some important advice for you. It is important that you read this card and carry it with you at all times. It also contains details about your dose, how long you have been taking deflazacort for, and who prescribed it for you. Please make sure that this information is kept up to date. If you are having an operation or dental treatment or any treatment for an injury, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking deflazacort and show them your treatment card. This is because your dose may need adjusting.
• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have tests from time to time to make sure you remain free from some of the unwanted side-effects of treatment.
• Deflazacort can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. Also, if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have them), you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
• Some vaccines are not suitable for you while you are being treated with deflazacort. If you need any immunisations, make sure you mention that you are taking an oral steroid.
• If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are suitable to take with deflazacort. This is particularly important if you take a medicine for indigestion (such as an antacid), as indigestion remedies should not be taken during the two hours before you take deflazacort, or for two hours afterwards. This is because antacids interfere with the way deflazacort is absorbed by your body, making it less effective.

Can deflazacort cause problems?

Along with its useful effects, deflazacort can cause unwanted side-effects which your doctor will discuss with you. The benefits of taking an oral steroid usually outweigh the side-effects; however, they can sometimes be troublesome. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with deflazacort. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer’s information leaflet in the reference section below.

Although not everyone experiences side-effects, and some will improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you become concerned about any of the following:

Common deflazacort side-effects	What can I do if I experience this?
Tummy (abdominal) pain, indigestion, feeling sick (nausea)	Stick to simple foods. If you are sick (vomit) and there is blood present, you must speak with your doctor straightaway
Muscle weakness or feeling tired	Do not drive and do not use tools or machines while affected
Mood or behavioural changes, especially at the beginning of treatment	If you become confused, or irritable, or start having worrying thoughts about harming yourself, speak with your doctor straightaway
Difficulties sleeping, headache, increased weight, and irregular periods in women	If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor
Increased risk of getting an infection	If you become ill, make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway
Long-term treatment with deflazacort may cause other unwanted effects	If you have any symptoms which are causing you concern, you should arrange to see your doctor for advice

Important: you should let your doctor know if you start to experience blurred vision or other vision problems whilst taking deflazacort.

For more information about side-effects which are possible when deflazacort is taken long-term, see the separate leaflet called Oral Steroids.

How to store deflazacort

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

• Manufacturer’s PIL, Calcort® 6 mg tablets; Neon Healthcare Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2022.

• Medicines Complete BNF 85th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Deflazacort: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines

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Information about Deflazacort

Deflazacort Uses

Deflazacort is used in the treatment of Inflammatory conditions, Autoimmune conditions and cancer.

How Deflazacort works

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid. It increases the level of glucocorticoid in the body and works by decreasing the formation of substances that cause inflammation and suppresses immunity to stop self damage to the body by the immune system (auto-immune reactions occurring in organ transplants or cancer).

Common side effects of Deflazacort

Increased appetite, Weight gain, Abdominal pain, Mood changes, Cushingoid syndrome, Excessive hair growth on face, Central obesity, Polyuria, Constipation, Irritability, Fever, Back pain, Erythema (skin redness), Rash, Nausea, Nosebleeds, Stretch marks

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Available Medicine for Deflazacort

DFZIpca Laboratories Ltd

₹15 to ₹4127 variant(s)

Expert advice for Deflazacort

• Deflazacort helps treat inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems that require either reduction of inflammation or suppression of the immune system.

• Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor.

• Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.

• Deflazacort can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat.

• Side effects such as mood changes or stomach problems can happen when you start taking Deflazacort. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
• Do not stop taking Deflazacort suddenly without talking to your doctor first as it may worsen your symptoms.

Frequently asked questions for Deflazacort

Deflazacort

Q. Is Deflazacort a steroid?

Yes, Deflazacort is a steroid medicine also known as glucocorticoids which occur naturally in the body. These glucocorticoids help to maintain health and wellbeing. Deflazacort increases the corticosteroids levels in the body which helps in treating various illnesses involving inflammation (redness, tenderness, heat and swelling).

Q. What is Deflazacort used for?

Deflazacort has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is used for treating conditions like allergy diseases, anaphylaxis, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory skin diseases and autoimmune diseases (these diseases happen when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage). The medicine also helps transplant patients as it suppresses the immune system so that the body does not reject the organ.

Q. How does Deflazacort work?

Deflazacort is a steroid medicine also known as glucocorticoids which occur naturally in the body. The medicine works by reducing the inflammation which helps in treating many illnesses caused due to active inflammation. Also, it stops the reactions known as autoimmune reactions which occur when your body’s immune system attacks the body itself and causes damage.

Q. Is Deflazacort better than Prednisone?

Clinical studies have shown that Deflazacort has a similar effect as that of prednisone. Moreover, Deflazacort is better tolerated when used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, consult your doctor for the right treatment of your condition.

Q. Is Deflazacort a painkiller?

No, Deflazacort is not a painkiller. It belongs to the class of medicines known as steroids.

Q. Can I take Deflazacort with Tamsulosin?

Yes, Deflazacort can be taken with Tamsulosin. No harmful effects or any other interactions have been reported when they are used together.

Deflazacort instructions – Search for drugs

INSTRUCTIONS
for the use of the drug

Deflazacort

90 003 Form of release

Tablets

Pharmacological properties

Deflazacort – corticosteroid, hormonal
drug that stops muscular dystrophy. Active substance –
a derivative of prednisone with comparable immunosuppressive and
anti-inflammatory effect. The drug, like any other corticosteroid, does not
has an analgesic effect, but it affects the very cause of the pain
– inflammation. By reducing inflammation, Deflazacort indirectly
also has an analgesic effect, since discomfort in the affected
areas decrease or disappear altogether. The drugs in this group are prescribed in
in cases where non-steroidal drugs were ineffective.

Indications

Deflazacort
may be needed to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy – hereditary
severe pathology causing muscle weakness of varying degrees, and almost
always occurring in boys. The drug is recommended for the treatment of children not
under 5 years old.

Also medicine
effectively used against:

• Crohn’s disease.
• Pemphigus.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Lymphatic leukemia.
• Pediatric gangrenosis.
• Acute interstitial nephritis.
• Choking.
• Hemolytic anemia of autoimmune origin.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Bullous pemphigoid (a chronic autoimmune skin disease).
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Contraindications

Contraindications for use are:

• Allergy to the main active ingredient.
• Presence of severely controlled infections.

In addition, you cannot use Deflazacort
long courses if the patient was diagnosed with:

• Osteoporosis.
• Glaucoma.
• Mental pathology.
• Ulcer.
• Hypertension.
• Severe kidney disease.
• Tuberculosis.
• Viral infection.
• Pregnancy.

Dosage and Administration

Follow all
recommendations of the attending physician. Eating food does not affect absorption
drug. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, crush it and mix
in a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture immediately without chewing. Don’t Save
it for future use.

Recommended dosages:

• Adults – prescribe therapy with 0.9 mg/kg of body weight. In the future, gradually increase to 3-18 mg / kg / day. In emergencies, a high dosage is used – up to 120 mg / day.
• Children – depending on the characteristics of the clinical picture, prescribe 0.25 mg-1.5 mg / kg.

Side effects

Taking
Deflazacort should be prepared for the possible appearance of:

• urticaria;
• difficult breathing;
• swelling of the face/throat;
• fever;
• sore throat;
• burning sensation in the eyes;
• soreness of the skin.

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Store
out of the reach of children.

Expiry date

Use
Deflazacort is available for 5 years from the date of issue.

First drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy approved in the USA – Vademecum magazine

Olga Chesnokova

Pharmaceutical industry

February 13, 2017, 11:41 AM

Photo: businesswire.com

10390

The high cost of the drug in the company was explained by the costs of research and development.

In a number of other countries, Emflaza has been on the market since the 90s. In particular, it is approved for use in Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Brazil, Panama, Bangladesh and Honduras. The cost of a course of this drug in the UK is $1,600, in Canada its cost may soon drop to $1 per tablet. Prior to FDA approval, patients self-imported deflazacort from other countries for many years, but this has been banned in the US since the drug was approved. Thus, for patients, the cost of the drug after approval will increase by 6,000%.

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid drug that reduces inflammation and also suppresses the immune system (immunosuppressive effect). Clinical studies of the drug showed positive results in 196 patients aged 5 to 15 years. Already on the 12th week after taking the drug, the functionality of muscle tissue significantly increases in patients. In addition, it has fewer side effects than other similar drugs.

In December 2015, the FDA postponed consideration of the application of the American biopharmaceutical company BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc regarding the world’s first drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Kyndrisa. The medicine is designed not only to relieve symptoms, but to slow down the development of the disease. The results of clinical studies of the drug presented to the commission did not convince the group of independent FDA consultants of the efficacy and safety of the drug. Thus, FDA experts considered that the statistics obtained in the last stages of clinical trials of the drug do not confirm the results of early clinical trials. In addition, the agency requested a study on delayed side effects of the drug, such as kidney disease or a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.