Have you or someone in your family, especially a child, been prescribed Deflazacort by a doctor? When that happens, it's normal for you to have a lot of questions about what kind of medicine it is, what it does, and what you need to be careful about. So don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medicine called Deflazacort in detail, very simply, and in language that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Deflazacort?
Simply put, Deflazacort is a medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids . We also commonly call them 'steroids'. This medicine is mainly used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy , a condition that causes the muscles to gradually weaken.
The most important thing is that this is not a cure for the disease. However, this medicine helps a lot in controlling the rate of muscle weakness caused by the disease and in maintaining the patient's quality of life at a good level.
In addition to this main condition, this medicine can also be used for other conditions, depending on the doctor's decision.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes Deflazacort, it is very important that he or she knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions.
| Your medical condition or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| High Blood Pressure | Blood pressure may increase further. |
| Heart disease or heart problems | Heart function may be affected. |
| Cataract or glaucoma condition | Eye pressure may increase. |
| Kidney or liver disease | It affects the excretion of the medicine from the body. |
| Stomach ulcers or intestinal diseases | These conditions can be severe. |
| Current infections (e.g., chickenpox, measles, herpes) | This medicine can make infections more severe because it reduces the body's immunity. |
| Osteoporosis | Long-term use can further weaken bones. |
| Myasthenia gravis | Muscle weakness may be affected. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | It is essential to talk to the doctor about the possible effects on the child. |
| Allergies to this medicine or other medicines or foods | To prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions. |
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- How to take: This pill is to be taken orally. You can swallow it whole with water. Or, you can crush the pill and mix it with something like applesauce.
- Time: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
- Stopping: This is the most important thing . Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. This can have negative effects on your body. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose and stop taking it.
If you give this medicine to children...
This medicine is sometimes prescribed by doctors to children as young as 2 years old. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it to your child. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your doctor about it carefully and get advice.
What do you do if you take too much medicine or miss a dose?
- Overdose: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking, as some medications can interact with Deflazacort.
| Avoid taking Deflazacort with these | |
|---|---|
| Carbamazepine | Phenytoin |
| Efavirenz | Rifampin |
| Ask your doctor if you are taking Deflazacort with these. | |
| Clarithromycin, Fluconazole (antibiotics) | Diltiazem, Verapamil (heart disease/blood pressure medication) |
| Grapefruit juice | Muscle relaxants given during surgery |
| Inform your doctor before receiving any vaccines. | |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Risk of infection: This medicine slightly reduces the activity of the body's immune system. So you may get infections more easily than usual. Stay away from people who have infectious diseases like chickenpox and measles. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat.
- Blood sugar levels: This medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Tell your doctor if you are more thirsty, hungry, or need to urinate more often than usual.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Deflazacort can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them.
| 🚨 Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Mental changes | Sudden changes in mood, depression. |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat. |
| Symptoms of high blood sugar | Increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision. |
| Other | Eye pain, ankle and foot swelling, insomnia. |
| In long-term use | Stunted growth in children, weak bones. |
| 🙂 If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Nausea, stomach discomfort, weight gain. |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Discard expired medicine without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Deflazacort is a steroid (corticosteroid) medication. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you take.
- Protect yourself from infections and monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
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