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Introduction About DEFCORT 6MG TABLET
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET contains Deflazacort which belongs to the group of medicines called Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulator Drugs. It is used to manage inflammation in asthma (inflamed airways), arthritis (pain and inflammation in the joints) and allergies.
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is also used in management of problems with your skin, kidney, heart, digestive system, eyes or blood and where your body has growths (tumours). It also used to manage rejection after organ transplant operations.
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is not recommended for use in patients who have any unmanageed systemic infection and had any vaccinations with live viruses.
Before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, problems in liver, kidney or heart, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health problems, osteoporosis, glaucoma, oesophagitis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or peptic ulcer and pheochromocytoma.
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless clearly advised by the doctor. DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in children and elderly patients due to increased risk of side effects.
The most common side effects of taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET are excessive facial hair, increased weight, skin redness, rash, nausea and abdominal pain. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.
Uses Of DEFCORT 6MG TABLET
- Manage inflammation including asthma, arthritis and allergies
- Manage skin, heart, kidney, eyes, digestive system or blood problems
- Manage tumour problems
- Suppress the immune system in transplant operations
How DEFCORT 6MG TABLET Works
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET works by managing 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 manages autoimmune disease conditions where immune system attacks the body tissues. It also supresses white blood cells along with immune system to manage the body from attacking foreign tissue in organ transplantation.
How to use DEFCORT 6MG TABLET
Take DEFCORT 6MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of DEFCORT 6MG TABLET
Common
- excessive facial hair
- increased weight
- puffy face appearance (cushingoid appearance)
- skin redness, rash and striae (stretch marks)
- abdominal obesity or pain
- need to urinate more often than normal
- constipation
- irritability, abnormal behaviour
- fever, back pain, bruise, nausea
- nosebleeds
Uncommon
- feeling full or bloated, indigestion, heartburn
- increase in appetite or weight gain around the face
- lose weight or feel weak
- signs of diabetes (increased thirst and needing to pass water more often than usual)
- increased blood pressure and water retention
- signs of low levels of potassium in the blood (tiredness, confusion, muscle weakness or muscle cramps)
- mood changes, difficulty in sleeping
- return of tuberculosis (TB) infection
- acne
- infections appear more easily than usual
Rare
- bleeding under the skin, redness
- general muscle weakness or tiredness
Stop taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of allergic reaction (swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing along with itchy, lumpy rash or nettle rash)
- 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)
- signs of pancreatitis (severe stomach pain which may reach through to your back)
- feeling depressed, including suicidal thoughts
- feeling anxious or high, having problems sleeping, difficulty in thinking or confusion and memory loss
- feeling, seeing or hearing things which do not exist
- signs of pheochromocytoma crisis (awareness of your heartbeat, increase in heart rate (palpitations), excessive sweating, high blood pressure, severe headaches or feeling shaky)
- 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)
- very sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and the inside of the mouth may have white areas on the surface
- headache, which is usually worse in the morning, on coughing or straining and nausea along with fits, fainting, eyesight problems, painful eyes or confusion
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea:
Stick to simple meals while taking this medicine. Avoid eating oily rich, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Constipation:
Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly (such as daily walk) and stay active. Consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, consult your doctor.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Breastfeeding
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in breastfeeding women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy or feel like everything around you is spinning or feel disorientated (vertigo) after taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Kidney
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Liver
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Allergy
Do not take DEFCORT 6MG TABLET if you are allergic to Deflazacort. It should be used with caution in patients who have ever had a bad reaction such as muscle weakness to any steroids.
Lungs
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients who had or have tuberculosis. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Heart Disease
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure or heart problems. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Others
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have any unmanageed systemic infection (affecting the whole body)
- had any vaccinations with live viruses
Before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you:
- have epilepsy
- have diabetes
- have high levels of uric acid in the blood
- have osteoporosis
- have an eye disease that causes detachment of the retina and bulging eyes
- have or anyone in your family has an eye problem called glaucoma
- have an underactive thyroid gland
- have oesophagitis, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis or peptic ulcer
- have athlete’s foot, thrush and cold sores
- have any problems with your blood vessels such as a blood clot
- have a pheochromocytoma
- have haematological malignancy
- are going to have an operation
- have ever had severe depression or manic-depression (bipolar disorder) or psychosis
- have any close family member with mental illnesses
Use in pediatrics:
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in children. Your child’s doctor may adjust the dose based on child’s age and body and dose may be initiated with the lowest effective dose. Consult your child’s doctor for advice.
Use in geriatrics:
DEFCORT 6MG TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of side effects. Consult your doctor before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used to relieve pain (Ex. aspirin, ibuprofen)
- aminoglutethimide (used for some types of cancer)
- ketoconazole (used to manage fungal infections)
- medicines used to remove excess water from the body (Ex. spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride)
- warfarin (used for thinning blood)
- medicines used in diabetes management (Ex. metformin or tolbutamide)
- medicines used for epilepsy (Ex. phenobarbitone, primidone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, acetazolamide)
- oral contraceptives such as oestrogens (used to manage pregnancy)
- medicines used in tuberculosis management (Ex. rifampicin or rifabutin)
- medicines used for managing high blood pressure (Ex. verapamil, atenolol and propranolol)
- medicines for indigestion and heartburn (Ex. aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate)
- salbutamol and theophylline (used for asthma)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : |
Deflazacort |
| Pharmacological Category | : |
Glucocorticoids |
| Therapeutic Indication | : |
Autoimmune diseases, Manage rejection of organ transplantation and tumours |
| Dosage Forms | : |
Tablet, Oral suspension, Suspension, Syrup |
More Information
- Keep DEFCORT 6MG TABLET out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About DEFCORT 6MG TABLET
Q: Why is DEFCORT 6MG TABLET prescribed?
A: DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is used in the management of severe asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (pain and inflammation in the joints), juvenile chronic arthritis (arthritis in children below 16 years of age), and genetic disorders like Duchenne muscular dystrophy (progressive muscular weakness). DEFCORT 6MG TABLET can also be used to manage allergies and problems in the skin, heart, kidney, eyes, digestive system, or blood. It is also used in certain types of cancer management, to manage certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and polymyalgia, and to suppress the immune system after transplant operations to avoid organ rejection.
Q: Is DEFCORT 6MG TABLET a steroid?
A: Yes, DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is a steroid that helps in managing pain and inflammation by exerting its anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the inflammation-causing agents. It also has an immunosuppressing property (reduces the body’s natural immunity that fights against foreign cells), which helps avoid the rejection of organ transplants.
Q: Is DEFCORT 6MG TABLET safe during pregnancy?
A: DEFCORT 6MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless considered clearly necessary. Consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: What precautions must be taken while using DEFCORT 6MG TABLET?
A: Before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you liver, kidney disease, lung disease such as tuberculosis, high blood pressure or heart problem, history of muscle weakness to steroids, epilepsy, diabetes, high levels of uric acid in the blood, osteoporosis, an eye disease that causes detachment of the retina and bulging eyes, have or anyone in your family has an eye problem called glaucoma, underactive thyroid gland, gastrointestinal diseases like peptic ulcers, perforation, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis gastritis or oesophagitis, abscess or pyrogenic infections, athlete’s foot, thrush and cold sores, problems with your blood vessels such as a blood clot, pheochromocytoma, haematological malignancy, are going to have an operation, have ever had severe depression or manic-depression (bipolar disorder) or psychosis, have any close family member with mental illnesses, myasthenia gravis, or had chicken pox or had a personal contact with someone having it.
Q: Who should avoid taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET?
A: DEFCORT 6MG TABLET suppresses the immune system, which can make you prone to infections. Patients suffering from a systemic infection who are not taking anti-infective management for it and have a history of vaccinations with live vaccines or are allergic to deflazacort should avoid taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET. Consult with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Q: Does DEFCORT 6MG TABLET increase blood sugar?
A: Yes, you might experience increased thirst and need to pass water more often than usual, which could be signs of diabetes. If you are already diabetic, your doctor may prescribe more of your diabetes medicine to balance the effects of DEFCORT 6MG TABLET. Always consult your doctor for advice before taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET.
Q: What are the side effects of DEFCORT 6MG TABLET?
A: DEFCORT 6MG TABLET can cause common side effects such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face, chest, and back like males), increased hunger, increased weight, puffy face appearance (cushingoid appearance), skin redness, rash, and striae, throat irritation, abdominal obesity or pain, excess urination, constipation, runny nose, irritability, abnormal behaviour, fever, headache, back pain, bruises, nausea, and nosebleeds. If any of these side effects get worse, consult your doctor immediately.
Q: Can I stop taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET suddenly?
A: No, you should not stop taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET without consulting your doctor because it may cause problems such as high temperature, runny nose, red eyes, aching muscles and joints, itchy skin, and weight loss, along with vomiting, headache, and drowsiness. This is more likely to happen in children. If you had to stop the management with DEFCORT 6MG TABLET, the dose would be gradually reduced.
Q: Can I take the vaccine while taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET?
A: If you are going to have any injections or vaccinations, tell the doctor that you are taking DEFCORT 6MG TABLET. This includes those needed for a foreign holiday. Some vaccines should not be given to patients taking this medicine. This is because DEFCORT 6MG TABLET can affect the way some vaccines work.
Q: Can DEFCORT 6MG TABLET cause constipation?
Yes, DEFCORT 6MG TABLET may cause constipation in some individuals. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly (such as a daily walk) and stay active. Consult your doctor if the symptom gets worse.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Steroids, Corticosteroids. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Fourth edition. 2013. Chapter 19. Page – 284 to 297.
2. Anthony Markham & Harriet M. Bryson. Deflazacort - A Review of its Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Efficacy. October 2012 [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199550020-00008
3. Laura C. McAdam, Amanda L. Mayo, Benjamin A. Alman, and W. Douglas Biggar. The Canadian experience with long term deflazacort treatment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [Revised in May 2012] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3440807/
4. Sanofi S.r.l. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in August 2022] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6287.pdf
5. Marathon Pharmaceuticals. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in February 2017] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208684s000,208685s000lbl.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Fasting blood sugar
- Postprandial blood sugar
- Liver function test
- Complete blood count
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