Deflazacort is used to relieve inflammation and treat a wide variety of diseases such as allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrist, feet, ankles), lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation), and inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Deflazacort exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Your doctor will also discuss the use of this medicine as different brands and preparations of Deflazacort may only be used for a specific condition.
Do not take this medicine for any condition other than what is prescribed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should take Deflazacort with or without food. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.
Deflazacort must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have an untreated infection that is affecting the entire body as Deflazacort may not be suitable for you.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccination with live vaccines without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- eye problems e.g. eye infection, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- high blood pressure
- heart disease e.g. heart failure, recent heart attack
- existing or family history of diabetes
- blood clotting problems
- bowel problems e.g. stomach ulcer, inflammation of the large intestines
- active or history of TB (infection known as tuberculosis)
- other infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi
- osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of bones)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- mood disorder or mental health problems
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
- steroid myopathy (muscle weakness of the upper and lower limbs)
- systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disorder characterised by thickening of the skin)
- thyroid disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Avoid exposure to anyone who is infected with chickenpox or measles. If you are exposed to these infections, contact your doctor immediately.
If you are going to undergo a laboratory test (e.g. skin test) or an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Deflazacort.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar and electrolyte levels, bone density, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Regular monitoring of the growth (e.g. height) and development of children taking Deflazacort may also be needed.
Deflazacort may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness with sensation of spinning, nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort, weight gain, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, impaired wound healing, acne or pimple breakout, and excessive hair growth.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rounding of the face, purple stretch marks, buffalo hump-shaped upper back, thinning of skin
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- blurred vision or other visual disturbances
- swelling of the ankles, feet or hand
- light-headedness, decreased urine output
- signs of infection e.g. persistent fever, chills, colds or cough
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, increased sweating, severe headache, tremors
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive live vaccines while you are taking Deflazacort.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, fluconazole
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for chest pain or high blood pressure e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, acetazolamide
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin
- antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acid production)
- medicines to treat TB (infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, cobicistat
- carbenoxolone (medicine for stomach ulcers)
- medicines containing estrogens e.g. birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Deflazacort.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
