Deflazacort
About Deflazacort
Deflazacort is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD is a genetic disorder that causes muscles to weaken and waste away) in children over two years of age. DMD is a hereditary condition that causes gradual muscle weakness, usually in boys.
Deflazacort contains Deflazacort, an immunosuppressive drug that works by reducing inflammation (swelling) and altering the immune system's function. As a result, Deflazacort helps with autoimmune disorders and inflammation that damages different organs, particularly the joints in psoriasis and arthritis.
Deflazacort should be administered as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you give Deflazacort to your child based on their medical condition. Some children may experience nausea, chest pain, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, skin rash, tremors, nervousness, diarrhea, and fast heartbeats. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your child's doctor. Do not quit giving deflazacort without consulting your doctor. Symptoms such as loss of appetite, a disturbed stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, peeling skin, and weight loss may be caused by stopping the medication suddenly.
Before you start giving Deflazacort, please inform your doctor if your child is allergic (hypersensitive) to Deflazacort. Extra care is to be taken when a child has an already existing infection being treated (systemic infection) or has recently had some live virus vaccines.
Uses of Deflazacort
Medicinal Benefits
Deflazacort is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare hereditary muscular disease that primarily affects children and young adults. DMD is characterized by the absence of dystrophin, a protein that aids in maintaining the integrity of muscle cells. Deflazacort is a corticosteroid, or steroid that mimics cortisone. It treats autoimmune diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema. It reduces the immune system's reactivity to these ailments, lessening symptoms, including pain, swelling, itching, and other allergic reactions.
Directions for Use
Use the measuring cup or dropper in the pack to give your child the recommended dose. Shake the bottle well before each use.
Storage
Side Effects of Deflazacort
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Skin redness
- Irritability
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Irregular behaviour
- Fever
- Back pain
- Acne
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Nosebleeds
- Stretch marks
Drug Warnings
If your child with a history of tuberculosis (TB), heart disease or heart failure, stomach disorders (gastritis, peptic ulcer), diabetes (including family history), osteoporosis (bone disease), myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), depression, mental distress, history of muscular problems caused by corticosteroids, kidney and liver dysfunction (including hepatic insufficiency and cirrhosis), you should consult a doctor before giving Deflazacort to them. This medicine is not recommended for children less than 5 years of age unless advised by your doctor. Keep the children away from people who are sick. Avoid giving them live vaccines 4-6 weeks before starting Deflazacort to prevent harmful reactions.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Deflazacort interacts with anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs like rifampicin and rifabutin, pain-relieving drugs like carbamazepine, Anti-seizure drugs like phenobarbitone, phenytoin, and pyrimidine, and antifungal drugs like ketoconazole.
Drug-Food interactions: It is not advised to be given with grapefruit or its juice.
Drug-Disease interactions: Care should be exercised when Deflazacort is administered in children with diabetes, cataracts, thyroid, blood pressure, kidney diseases, glaucoma, and herpes.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
not applicable-
Pregnancy
not applicable-
Breast Feeding
not applicable-
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionBlood levels of Deflazacort may rise in children with hepatic impairment. Consequently, it is essential to closely monitor and modify the deflazacort dosage to the lowest adequate level.
Kidney
cautionLimited information is available. If your child has kidney problems, inform the doctor beforehand.
Children
safe if prescribedDeflazacort is safe if prescribed by your doctor. However, please consult your doctor before giving Deflazacort to your child. Deflazacort is not recommended for children below 2 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Your child needs to practice good hygiene and avoid places and people believed to be a cause of infection. This drug affects a child's immune system, so proper care must be taken.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Deflazacort, as it may interact with the medication.
Special Advise
- Avoid live vaccines for 4-6 weeks before and during treatment.
- Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
- Schedule regular eye check-ups, bone mineral tests, and liver function tests.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a hereditary condition characterized by gradual deterioration and muscle weakness. A lack of the dystrophin protein causes muscular disease, which is also known as dystrophinopathy.
FAQs
Deflazacort is used to treat Duchene muscular dystrophy. It may also be used to treat allergic and inflammatory disorders.
You should not give Deflazacort if your child has taken live vaccines of mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, yellow fever, typhoid, nasal flu (influenza), varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles). Do not give Deflazacort if your child has a compromised immune system, eye problems, or weak bones.
Yes, Deflazacort is a steroid medication. It's a corticosteroid, also known as a glucocorticoid.
No, Deflazacort is not a painkiller. It is a steroid medication.
Yes, it is safe to use Deflazacort if prescribed by the doctor. Give it in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Common side effects of Deflazacort may include nausea, chest pain, vomiting, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, skin rash, tremors, nervousness, diarrhea, and fast heartbeats. Most of these side effects of Deflazacort do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Please keep it away from pets and children.
