What is deflazacort used for. How should deflazacort be taken. What are the potential side effects of deflazacort. Why is a Steroid Treatment Card important for patients on deflazacort. How does deflazacort work to reduce inflammation in various conditions.

Understanding Deflazacort: A Powerful Corticosteroid Medication

Deflazacort is a potent corticosteroid medication used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. As a member of the corticosteroid class, it plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation in numerous diseases. But what exactly is deflazacort, and how does it work in the body?

What is Deflazacort?

Deflazacort belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, sometimes referred to simply as oral steroids. It’s available in tablet form and is marketed under brand names such as Calcort. This medication works by interfering with the release of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, effectively reducing swelling and alleviating symptoms associated with various conditions.

How Does Deflazacort Work?

The mechanism of action for deflazacort involves its ability to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body. By interfering with the production and release of inflammatory chemicals, deflazacort helps to control the overactive immune responses that contribute to many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Medical Conditions Treated with Deflazacort

Deflazacort is prescribed for a diverse range of medical conditions, showcasing its versatility as a therapeutic agent. Some of the primary conditions treated with this medication include:

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

Is deflazacort effective for all inflammatory conditions? While deflazacort is widely used, its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific condition and individual patient factors. Your healthcare provider will determine if it’s the most appropriate treatment for your particular situation.

Important Considerations Before Taking Deflazacort

Before starting treatment with deflazacort, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. Certain medical conditions and factors may influence the suitability of this medication for you. Your doctor needs to know 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
• A history of mental health problems
• Any current infections or a history of tuberculosis
• A history of blood clots

Additionally, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. While deflazacort can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s essential that your healthcare provider is aware of your situation to ensure proper monitoring and dosage adjustments if necessary.

Proper Administration of Deflazacort

Taking deflazacort correctly is crucial for its effectiveness and to minimize potential side effects. Here are the key points to remember:

Dosage and Timing

The typical adult dosage range for deflazacort is usually ½ to 3 tablets daily, though it may be higher in acute situations. How should you take deflazacort? Take your prescribed dose in the morning during breakfast with a glass of water. For children, the dosing schedule may involve taking the medication on alternate days.

What if You Miss a Dose?

If you forget to take your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, along with some food. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Duration of Treatment

Continue taking deflazacort until your doctor advises you to stop. It’s important to note that abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to problems, so your healthcare provider will likely recommend gradually reducing your dose over time when it’s appropriate to stop treatment.

The Importance of the Steroid Treatment Card

For patients prescribed deflazacort for more than three weeks, a ‘Steroid Treatment Card’ is provided. This card serves several crucial purposes:

• It identifies you as a steroid user
• Contains important advice for your care
• Provides details about your dose and treatment duration
• Includes information about who prescribed the medication

Why is the Steroid Treatment Card so important? This card is a vital tool for ensuring your safety and proper care, especially in emergency situations or when receiving treatment from healthcare providers unfamiliar with your medical history. Always carry this card with you and keep the information up to date.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, deflazacort can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some potential side effects include:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood changes, including irritability or depression
• Weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to infections
• Thinning of the skin and easy bruising
• Osteoporosis (weakening of the bones)
• Changes in blood sugar levels
• Increased blood pressure

How can you minimize the risk of side effects while taking deflazacort? Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, attend all scheduled check-ups, and report any unusual symptoms promptly. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes or additional medications to manage potential side effects.

Interactions with Other Medications and Treatments

Deflazacort can interact with various other medications and treatments, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking, including:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter drugs
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamins and minerals

Some medications that may interact with deflazacort include:

• Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
• Diabetes medications
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Medications that affect the immune system

Can you receive vaccinations while taking deflazacort? It’s important to discuss any planned vaccinations with your healthcare provider before receiving them. Some vaccines may be less effective or potentially unsafe while you’re on corticosteroid therapy.

Long-term Use and Monitoring

Long-term use of deflazacort requires careful monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness and to minimize potential complications. Your healthcare provider will likely schedule regular check-ups to assess your response to the medication and monitor for any side effects.

Monitoring Parameters

During your treatment with deflazacort, your doctor may regularly check:

• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar levels
• Bone density
• Eye health (especially if you have a history of glaucoma)
• Growth and development (in children)
• Mental health status

How often should you have check-ups while taking deflazacort? The frequency of monitoring will depend on your individual circumstances, the dose you’re taking, and the duration of your treatment. Your healthcare provider will establish an appropriate monitoring schedule based on these factors.

Gradual Dose Reduction

When it’s time to stop taking deflazacort, your doctor will typically recommend a gradual reduction in dosage. This process, known as tapering, is crucial to allow your body to adjust and resume its normal cortisol production. Abruptly stopping corticosteroid therapy can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially serious health complications.

What are the potential consequences of suddenly stopping deflazacort? Abrupt discontinuation can result in symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, weakness, and in severe cases, adrenal crisis. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for tapering off the medication.

Special Considerations for Deflazacort Use

Certain situations require special attention when using deflazacort. These include:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

While deflazacort can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments depending on your individual circumstances.

Surgery and Dental Procedures

If you’re scheduled for surgery or dental work, it’s crucial to inform the healthcare professionals involved about your deflazacort use. They may need to adjust your medication or take special precautions to ensure your safety during the procedure.

Stress and Illness

During periods of stress or illness, your body may require higher doses of corticosteroids. Always consult your healthcare provider if you experience significant stress, become ill, or sustain an injury while taking deflazacort.

How should you handle illness while on deflazacort? Don’t stop taking your medication, but do contact your healthcare provider for guidance. They may recommend temporarily increasing your dose or prescribe additional treatments to support your body during the illness.

Lifestyle Considerations While Taking Deflazacort

While taking deflazacort, certain lifestyle modifications can help maximize the benefits of the medication and minimize potential side effects:

Diet and Nutrition

Corticosteroids like deflazacort can increase appetite and affect metabolism. To maintain a healthy weight and support overall health:

• Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• Limit salt intake to help manage blood pressure
• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support bone health
• Monitor calorie intake to prevent excessive weight gain

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help counteract some of the potential side effects of deflazacort, such as weight gain and bone loss. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have conditions that may be affected by physical activity.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can exacerbate inflammation and potentially reduce the effectiveness of deflazacort. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Engage in relaxation exercises
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups

How can managing stress improve your response to deflazacort? By reducing overall inflammation in the body and promoting better overall health, effective stress management can potentially enhance the medication’s efficacy and help you maintain a lower effective dose.

Patient Education and Self-Management

Being well-informed about your medication and condition is crucial for successful treatment with deflazacort. Here are some key aspects of patient education and self-management:

Understanding Your Condition

Learn as much as you can about the condition for which you’ve been prescribed deflazacort. This knowledge can help you better understand the role of the medication in your treatment plan and the importance of adhering to your prescribed regimen.

Recognizing Side Effects

Familiarize yourself with the potential side effects of deflazacort and know which symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. This awareness can help you promptly report any concerns to your healthcare provider.

Medication Adherence

Consistent adherence to your prescribed deflazacort regimen is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes. Develop strategies to help you remember to take your medication as directed, such as using pill organizers or setting daily reminders on your phone.

Open Communication with Healthcare Providers

Maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare team. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about your treatment. This dialogue can help ensure that your treatment plan remains appropriate and effective over time.

Why is patient education so important when taking deflazacort? Informed patients are better equipped to manage their condition, adhere to treatment plans, and recognize potential issues early, leading to better overall health outcomes and a reduced risk of complications.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

While deflazacort is a powerful and effective medication for many conditions, some patients may be interested in exploring complementary or alternative therapies to support their treatment. It’s important to note that these should never replace prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Some complementary approaches that may be considered include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Dietary supplements (under medical supervision)
• Mind-body practices like yoga or tai chi

Can complementary therapies enhance the effectiveness of deflazacort? While some patients report benefits from combining conventional and complementary approaches, it’s crucial to discuss any additional therapies with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Research and Future Developments

The field of corticosteroid therapy, including the use of deflazacort, continues to evolve as researchers seek to improve efficacy and minimize side effects. Some areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of more targeted corticosteroids with fewer systemic effects
• Exploration of alternative delivery methods to reduce side effects
• Investigation of combination therapies to enhance efficacy and reduce required doses
• Long-term studies on the effects of corticosteroid use in various conditions

How might future developments in corticosteroid research impact patients taking deflazacort? Advances in this field could potentially lead to more personalized treatment approaches, improved side effect profiles, and enhanced long-term outcomes for patients requiring corticosteroid therapy.

In conclusion, deflazacort is a valuable tool in the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. While it can be highly effective, its use requires careful management and monitoring. By understanding the medication, adhering to prescribed regimens, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers, patients can maximize the benefits of deflazacort while minimizing potential risks. As research continues, we may see even more refined and targeted approaches to corticosteroid therapy in the future, potentially improving outcomes for patients relying on these important medications.

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.

Uses of Deflazacort | Vinmec

This is an automatically translated article.

Deflazacort drug is made in the form of tablets with the strengths: 1mg, 6mg, 12g and 30mg. This is a group of pain relievers, antipyretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, treating gout and bone and joint diseases.

1. Indications and contraindications to the drug Deflazacort

What is Deflazacort, and what are its effects? The following is information about the indications and contraindications of the drug:
1.1 Indications Deflazacort 6mg or other dosage forms such as 1mg, 12mg and 30mg are used to treat:
Inflammatory conditions: Asthma, arthritis , allergy,…; problems with the skin, heart, liver, kidneys, digestive system, eyes, or blood; Abnormal growths in the body such as tumors; Preventing rejection after organ transplantation. 1.2 Contraindications Contraindications to using Deflazacort for patients:
Gastrointestinal ulcers; Infectious conditions, viral infections such as: advanced tuberculosis, chickenpox, systemic fungal infections, ocular herpes simplex, herpes-zoster,…; Before and after vaccination; Hypersensitivity to Deflazacort or any of its ingredients.

2. How to use and dose of Deflazacort

How to use: The drug is taken orally, swallow the tablet whole with 1 glass of water. You should try to take the medicine at the same time each day for the best effect.
Dosage:
Dosage for adults: The starting dose can be up to 120mg/day. Maintenance dose is about 3-18mg/day: Rheumatoid arthritis: Maintenance dose is about 3-18mg/day. The lowest effective dose should be used, increasing the dose if necessary; Asthma: When treating an acute asthma attack, it may be necessary to use Deflazacort at a high dose of 48-72mg/day depending on the severity, gradually reducing the dose when the asthma is under control. When treating chronic asthma, the lowest possible dose should be used to control symptoms; Duchenne muscular dystrophy : The recommended dose is about 0.9mg/kg/day x 1 time; Dosage for children: For children use 0.25 – 1.5mg/kg body weight/day, should be taken every other day: Chronic arthritis in adolescents: Maintenance dose from 0.25 – 1mg/kg/day ; Nephrotic syndrome: Initial dose is 1.5mg/kg/day, then the dose will be gradually reduced depending on clinical response; Bronchial asthma: The starting dose is 0.25 – 1mg/kg body weight, taken every other day; Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The recommended dose is about 0.9mg/kg/day x 1 time. Patients should take the medication exactly as directed by the doctor. Dosage will be adjusted depending on the type of disease being treated and other medications the patient is taking.
In case of overdose or in an emergency, the patient’s family should call an ambulance or take the patient to the nearest medical center. If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Thuốc Deflazacort 6mg hay các dạng bào chế khác như 1mg, 12mg và 30mg

3. Deflazacort side effects

You should stop taking the medicine and see a doctor if you have the following side effects:
Allergies: Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, lips, face, throat, which may make it difficult to swallow or breathe; itching, rash, or hives; Stomach ulcers: Passing stools like black tar, see fresh blood in stools or stools, with black flakes like coffee grounds when vomiting; Serious mental health problems: Feeling depressed or even having thoughts of suicide; agitation, mood swings – sad; feeling anxious, having problems sleeping, having trouble thinking, being confused and losing memory; hallucinations, negative thoughts, behavioral changes, feelings of loneliness,… Other side effects: Difficulty swallowing, may have white patches in the mouth causing sore throat, weight gain, sugar infections upper respiratory tract, increased appetite, cough, nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infection, obesity, hirsutism, erythema, dysmenorrhea, osteoporosis, fracture, dyspepsia, nausea, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia blood potassium, headache, dizziness, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, candidiasis, skin atrophy, subcutaneous capillary dilation,. ..

4. Be careful when using Deflazacort

You should be especially careful, tell your doctor before using Deflazacort if:
You have ever had severe depression or bipolar disorder; Family history of depression or bipolar disorder; You have had psychological problems such as psychosis; You have health problems such as: Epilepsy, diabetes (or a loved one with diabetes), high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, glaucoma (or a loved one with glaucoma), heart disease – liver – kidney, digestive system problems (esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, colitis,…), ever had a bad reaction such as muscle weakness to steroid drugs, ever had viral or fungal infections, history of tuberculosis, history of blood vessel disorders such as blood clots, etc. Deflazacort is also not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy, unless there is a balance. your doctor’s advice about the potential benefit-risk relationship. The drug should also not be used by mothers who are breastfeeding.

Thuốc Deflazacort 6mg được dùng để điều trị hen suyễn

5. Deflazacort drug interactions

Drug interactions can change how a drug works or increase the effect of side effects. Patients should list the medications they are taking for the doctor to consider and prescribe accordingly.
Some problems related to drug interactions patients need to pay attention to:
Quinolones: When used in combination with Deflazacort, there may be an increased risk of side effects such as tendonitis and tendon rupture; The maintenance dose of Deflazacort should be increased if co-administered with hepatic enzyme inducers such as rifabutin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone and aminoglutethimide; The maintenance dose of Deflazacort may be reduced if used concomitantly with hepatic enzyme inhibitors such as ketoconazole; The dose of Deflazacort may be reduced in patients taking estrogen; The desired effects of hypoglycemic agents, diuretics and antihypertensives are antagonized by Deflazacort; The hypokalemic effect of loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, acetazolamide, beta 2 agonists, carbenoxolone and xanthines is enhanced by Deflazacort; The effectiveness of coumarin anticoagulants may be increased when used concomitantly with Deflazacort; Renal clearance of salicylates is increased with the use of Deflazacort. Discontinuation of Deflazacort may cause salicylate toxicity; Antacids can interfere with the absorption of Deflazacort, so they should be taken at least 2 hours apart. In addition, Deflazacort can cause salt and water retention, increase potassium excretion, so it is necessary to limit salt in the patient’s diet, in combination with adding potassium. Besides, patients should not take the drug with grapefruit juice.
Deflazacort is indicated in the treatment of many different diseases. Patients need to take the drug exactly as directed by the doctor to ensure the highest treatment effectiveness, reduce the risk of side effects or unpredictable complications.
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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.