Uses of Deflazacort

Deflazacort is used to treat inflammation including asthma, arthritis, allergies and problems in skin, heart, kidney, eyes, digestive system or blood. It is also used in certain type of cancer treatment and to suppress the immune system after transplant operations to prevent organ rejection.

Therapeutic Category

Deflazacort: Glucocorticoids

How Deflazacort works

Deflazacort works by preventing the release of certain chemicals involved in the immune and allergic reactions, that result in inflammation. This type of action can reduce inflammation in a particular area, control various diseases characterised by excessive inflammation and treats autoimmune disease conditions where immune system attacks the body tissues. It also supresses white blood cells along with immune system to prevent the body from attacking foreign tissue in organ transplantation.

Common side effects of Deflazacort

• puffy face appearance (cushingoid appearance) 
• skin redness, rash and striae (stretch marks) 
• abdominal obesity or pain 
• constipation 
• irritability, abnormal behaviour 
• fever, back pain, bruise, nausea 
• nosebleeds
• throat irritation
• hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face, chest and back like males)
• weight gain
• increased hunger
• headache
• excess urination
• runny nose

When to consult your doctor

• If you experience severe allergic reaction
• If you experience signs of stomach ulcer (black tarry stools or notice fresh or clotted blood in the stool or dark bits that look like coffee grounds in your vomit)
• If you experience signs of pancreatitis (severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back)
• If you are feeling depressed, including suicidal thoughts
• If you are feeling, seeing or hearing things which do not exist
• If you experience signs of pheochromocytoma crisis (awareness of your heartbeat, increase in heart rate (palpitations), excessive sweating, high blood pressure, severe headaches or feeling shaky)
• If you experience signs of tumour lysis syndrome (changes in blood tests such as increased levels of uric acid, potassium or phosphorus and decreased level of calcium may result in muscle cramping, muscle weakness, confusion, visual loss or disturbances, shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat or reduced amount or darkening of urine)

Health Tips for Deflazacort

• Follow the recommended dosage and frequency as prescribed by your doctor and do not make any changes without consulting them
• Take deflazacort exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. It is important to take it consistently and at the prescribed times to maintain its effectiveness
• Regularly schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and assess the effectiveness of deflazacort. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or treatment plan based on your response and any potential side effects
• Do not abruptly stop taking deflazacort without consulting your healthcare provider
• Long-term use of corticosteroids can affect bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend measures to promote bone health, such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercises, and lifestyle modifications
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as deflazacort can interact with certain drugs
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding