Description
Deflazacort is a steroid that targets pain in muscular joints, allergies, asthma, Duchene muscular dystrophy (a genetic disorder causing muscle degradation and weakness), and autoimmune diseases (a disorder due to increased immune activity in the body). The drug is an anti-inflammatory medicine that suppresses allergic reactions and inflammation caused due to various health conditions. It also suppresses immunity by binding to immune system cells and turns off the switches (receptors) that lead to their abnormal functioning or damaging effects. Thus, deflazacort helps in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and inflammation that causes harm in various organs, especially in joints in arthritis & skin psoriasis.
The deflazacort tablets shall be swallowed whole with water. If you face any difficulty in swallowing the whole tablet, break it into half and gulp down. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. The dosage and duration of medicine are prescribed by the doctor keeping the health condition in mind. Deflazacort is capable of inducing a wide range of side effects, depending on your dosage and response to the medicine. Some people experience side effects like nausea, chest pain, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, skin rash, tremors, etc. Stick to your prescribed dosage and inform your doctor if you are allergic to deflazacort or similar medicines.
Contraindications of Deflazacort Tablets
Under the influence of certain health conditions, consumption of deflazacort can lead to unpleasant effects. To avoid these negative effects, consult your doctor if you are facing any health condition mentioned below:
- Allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredients of this medicine.
- Recently had a vaccination with a live vaccine.
- Untreated or undertreated infection.
Uses of Deflazacort Tablets
Deflazacort tablets are indicated in the treatment of auto-immune disease and other anti-inflammatory reactions. The prominent uses of deflazacort tablets are given following:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Asthma
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
Side Effects of Deflazacort Tablets
Deflazacort is a potent drug, capable of eliciting a range of side effects. Usually, the side effects are mild to moderate and resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or get severe, seek immediate medical attention. The list of commonly seen side effects is given below:
- Weight Gain
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Depressed Mood
- Nausea
- Acne
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Increased appetite
- Increased urination frequency
Drug Interactions
Sometimes when two drugs are taken together they lead to undesirable effects or lower the efficacy of both drugs. The same is true for certain food items and beverages.
Interaction with Medicines:
- Anti-diabetic medicines
- Anti-epileptic medicines like Phenytoin or Carbamazepine
- Painkillers like aspirin
- Anti-fungal medicines like ketoconazole
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Anti-tuberculosis medicines like Rifampicin
- Medicines used for breathing-related disorders like Salbutamol and Theophylline
- A gap of at least two hours between deflazacort and antacids
Storage and Disposal Instructions
- Store the tablets below 25°C in a cool and dry place, protected from direct exposure to sunlight, moisture, and heat.
- Keep it away from children and pets.
- Properly dispose of expired or damaged medicines.
Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking deflazacort as it can have an indirect effect on the baby.
- Deflazacort causes sleepiness and drowsiness after its consumption, therefore, a person should avoid driving or any mental activity requiring focus and attention.
- Do not self-medicate the medicine and consult your doctor to know your dosage requirement.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to deflazacort or similar medicines. The doctor can prescribe you better alternatives or lower your dosage.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole with water in dosage and duration as prescribed by the doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is deflazacort safe to be consumed when pregnant or breastfeeding?
Deflazacort can harm the fetus and seep into the breast milk when consumed regularly. Therefore, do not take deflazacort without a doctor’s consultation.
- What are some common side effects of deflazacort?
Deflazacort Tablet shows side effects that include headache, weight gain, cough, increased hunger, excess urination, etc. Consult your doctor if these side effects are bothering you.
- Is deflazacort safe for children?
No, deflazacort is not safe for children below the age of 2 years.
