What is deflazacort used for. How should deflazacort be taken. What are the potential side effects of deflazacort. Who should not take deflazacort. How does deflazacort work in the body. What precautions should be taken when using deflazacort. When should a doctor be consulted about deflazacort use.

What is Deflazacort and How Does it Work?

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid medication used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucocorticoids, which work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body.

How does deflazacort exert its therapeutic effects? Deflazacort interferes with the release of certain pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body, thereby decreasing the inflammatory response. This makes it useful for managing conditions characterized by excessive inflammation or overactive immune system activity.

Common Uses of Deflazacort

Deflazacort is prescribed for a wide range of medical conditions, including:

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

The versatility of deflazacort makes it a valuable tool in managing various inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions across different body systems.

Proper Dosage and Administration of Deflazacort

Correct administration of deflazacort is crucial for achieving optimal therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects. How should deflazacort be taken for best results?

1. Take deflazacort tablets with a glass of water during breakfast.
2. Follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage carefully.
3. For adults, typical doses range from ½ to 3 tablets daily, though higher doses may be prescribed for acute conditions.
4. Children may be given alternate-day dosing regimens.
5. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose.

It’s important to note that abruptly stopping deflazacort can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will likely taper your dose gradually when discontinuing treatment.

Important Precautions and Considerations Before Taking Deflazacort

Before initiating deflazacort treatment, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about certain medical conditions and factors that may affect its use. What should patients disclose to their doctors before starting deflazacort?

• History of high blood pressure or heart problems
• Liver or kidney dysfunction
• Diabetes or glaucoma (personal or family history)
• Thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., stomach ulcers, bowel disorders)
• Mental health conditions
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status
• Current infections or history of tuberculosis
• Recent or upcoming vaccinations
• Other medications, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
• Previous allergic reactions to medications, especially steroids

Providing this information helps your healthcare provider determine if deflazacort is appropriate for you and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Managing Deflazacort Treatment: Tips for Patients

To ensure safe and effective use of deflazacort, patients should follow certain guidelines throughout their treatment course. How can patients optimize their deflazacort therapy?

1. Carry your Steroid Treatment Card at all times and keep it updated.
2. Inform all healthcare providers about your deflazacort use, especially before surgeries or dental procedures.
3. Monitor your blood pressure regularly, as deflazacort may cause hypertension.
4. Be vigilant for signs of infection, as corticosteroids can mask symptoms.
5. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to mitigate potential side effects like weight gain and bone loss.
6. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication without medical supervision.

By following these recommendations, patients can maximize the benefits of deflazacort while minimizing potential risks.

Potential Side Effects and Complications of Deflazacort

Like all medications, deflazacort can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. What are the most common adverse effects associated with deflazacort use?

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Mood changes, including irritability or euphoria
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Skin changes (e.g., thinning, acne)
• Muscle weakness
• Osteoporosis (with long-term use)
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Fluid retention and swelling

While these side effects can be concerning, it’s important to weigh them against the benefits of treatment. Your doctor will monitor you closely and adjust the dosage as needed to minimize adverse effects.

Long-Term Effects of Deflazacort Use

Prolonged use of deflazacort may lead to additional complications. What long-term effects should patients be aware of?

• Adrenal suppression
• Increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma
• Growth retardation in children
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Impaired wound healing

Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential for patients on long-term deflazacort therapy to detect and manage these potential complications early.

Drug Interactions and Contraindications

Deflazacort can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. What are some important drug interactions to be aware of?

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
• Antidiabetic medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications
• Anticonvulsants
• Immunosuppressants

Additionally, deflazacort may be contraindicated in certain situations. When should deflazacort not be used?

• Known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or other corticosteroids
• Systemic fungal infections
• Concurrent administration of live vaccines

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Special Considerations for Specific Patient Groups

Certain patient populations may require special attention when using deflazacort. How should deflazacort be managed in these groups?

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women

While deflazacort can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it should be done under close medical supervision. The potential benefits must be weighed against the risks to the fetus or infant.

Pediatric Patients

Children on long-term deflazacort therapy need regular monitoring of growth and development. Alternate-day dosing may be used to minimize growth suppression.

Elderly Patients

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects and may require lower doses. Close monitoring for osteoporosis and other complications is essential.

Patients with Comorbidities

Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or osteoporosis may need additional management strategies to mitigate the effects of deflazacort on these conditions.

Monitoring and Follow-up During Deflazacort Treatment

Regular monitoring is crucial for patients on deflazacort therapy to ensure its effectiveness and detect any potential complications early. What aspects of health should be monitored during treatment?

• Blood pressure
• Blood glucose levels
• Bone density
• Electrolyte balance
• Adrenal function
• Eye health (intraocular pressure, cataract formation)
• Growth and development in children
• Mental health status

How often should patients follow up with their healthcare provider? The frequency of check-ups will depend on the individual’s condition, dose, and duration of treatment. Initially, more frequent visits may be necessary, followed by regular intervals as determined by the treating physician.

Laboratory Tests and Imaging Studies

Various tests may be ordered to assess the impact of deflazacort on different body systems:

• Complete blood count
• Lipid profile
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Bone densitometry scans
• Ophthalmological examinations

These tests help healthcare providers adjust the treatment plan as needed and address any emerging issues promptly.

Alternatives to Deflazacort and Complementary Therapies

While deflazacort is an effective treatment for many conditions, alternative options may be considered in certain situations. What are some alternatives to deflazacort?

• Other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic agents
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Immunosuppressants

The choice of treatment depends on the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient factors.

Complementary Therapies

Some patients may benefit from complementary approaches alongside deflazacort treatment. What complementary therapies can support overall health during corticosteroid use?

• Physical therapy and exercise programs
• Dietary modifications
• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
• Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
• Acupuncture

It’s important to discuss any complementary therapies with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.

Patient Education and Support for Deflazacort Users

Proper education and support are essential for patients using deflazacort to ensure optimal outcomes and adherence to treatment. What resources are available to support patients on deflazacort therapy?

• Patient information leaflets provided with the medication
• Steroid Treatment Card
• Educational materials from healthcare providers
• Support groups for specific conditions treated with deflazacort
• Online resources from reputable medical organizations

How can patients actively participate in their care while on deflazacort? Encouraging open communication with healthcare providers, keeping a symptom diary, and staying informed about their condition and treatment can empower patients to take an active role in managing their health.

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help mitigate the side effects of deflazacort and improve overall health outcomes:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Engaging in regular weight-bearing exercises
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake
• Quitting smoking
• Practicing good sleep hygiene

By adopting these healthy habits, patients can support their body’s response to treatment and minimize potential complications.

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.