Calcort (Deflazacort)

Description

Indications

Deflazacort is prescribed for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive condition characterized by impaired muscle function, in both adults and children aged 2 years and older. Classified as a corticosteroid, deflazacort operates by mitigating inflammation (swelling) and altering the functioning of the immune system.

Uses and Dosage

Deflazacort is available in tablet and suspension (liquid) forms for oral administration. Typically, it is taken once a day, with or without food, at the same time each day.

Take deflazacort precisely as directed by your doctor, and avoid taking more or less than prescribed, or increasing the frequency without your doctor’s guidance.

If you find it difficult to swallow the tablet whole, you may crush it and mix it with applesauce. Consume the mixture immediately. Shake the suspension well before each use to ensure even distribution of the medication. Use the provided measuring device to measure the dose of deflazacort, slowly adding it to 3 to 4 ounces (90 to 120 mL) of milk or fruit juice, and take it immediately. Do not mix deflazacort suspension with grapefruit juice.

In situations of unusual stress on your body, such as surgery, illness, or infection, your doctor may need to adjust your deflazacort dose. Inform your doctor of any changes in your health or if your symptoms improve or worsen during treatment.

Do not discontinue deflazacort without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication may lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, peeling skin, and weight loss. Your doctor will likely taper your dose gradually to allow your body to adjust before discontinuation. Monitor for these side effects during the dose reduction process and after stopping the tablets or oral suspension. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• thin, fragile skin
• red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
• increased hair growth
• acne
• bulging eyes
• irregular or absent menstrual periods
• slowed healing of cuts and bruises
• changes in the way fat is spread around the body
• weak muscles
• joint pain
• frequent urination during the daytime
• dizziness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• increased appetite
• upset stomach
• back pain
• heartburn

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• seizures
• eye pain, redness, or tearing
• changes in vision
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• shortness of breath
• sudden weight gain
• rash
• hives
• itching
• peeling or blistering skin
• stomach pain
• confusion
• extreme changes in mood changes in personality
• inappropriate happiness
• depression
• ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back

Caution

• Prior to initiating deflazacort treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies to the medication or other substances. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
• Before using this medication, disclose your complete medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have or had current or past infections, heart problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach or intestinal problems, bone loss (osteoporosis), mental or mood disorders, eye diseases, diabetes, mineral imbalance, seizures, blood clots, or bleeding disorders.
• The prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can impede your body’s response to physical stress. Prior to undergoing surgery or emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness or injury, inform your doctor or dentist about your current or past use of this medication within the last 12 months. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual or extreme tiredness or experience weight loss. If you anticipate long-term use of this medication, carry a warning card or wear a medical ID bracelet that indicates your use of this medication.
• This medication may mask signs of infection, making you more susceptible to infections or exacerbating existing infections. Avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious infections that can easily spread, such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, or the flu.
• The liquid form of this medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. If you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to restrict or avoid these substances in your diet, exercise caution.
• Inform your healthcare professional about your use of prednisone before receiving any immunizations or vaccinations. Avoid contact with individuals who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine administered via nasal spray.
• This medication may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Daily consumption of alcohol while using this medication can further elevate the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Older adults may exhibit increased sensitivity to the side effects of this drug, particularly bone loss or pain, stomach or intestinal bleeding, and mental or mood changes such as confusion.
• The prolonged use of this medication in children may impact their growth rate. Regular check-ups should be scheduled to monitor your child’s height and growth.
• During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when clearly necessary. It may rarely cause harm to an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended period may experience hormone-related issues. Inform your doctor immediately if you observe symptoms such as persistent nausea or vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
• Although this medication passes into breast milk, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Calcort is available in the following forms and strengths:

• deflazacort tablet:
  • 1 mg
  • 6 mg
  • 30 mg

FAQ

Is Calcort anti-inflammatory?

Calcort is a glucocorticoid. Its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects are used in treating various diseases and are comparable to other anti-inflammatory steroids.

Is Calcort a strong steroid?

The anti-inflammatory potency of Calcort is about 10–20 times higher than prednisolone and 40 times higher than cortisol.

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763756/#:~:text=Deflazacort%20is%20a%20glucocorticoid.,to%20other%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20steroids
2. https://bmcpharmacoltoxicol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40360-016-0111-8#:~:text=The%20anti%2Dinflammatory%20potency%20of,at%20equivalent%20doses%20%5B6%5D
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/deflazacort-oral-route/precautions/drg-20406047
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617024.html
5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-167952/deflazacort-oral/details
6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/deflazacort.html