Deflazacort tablets
Deflazacort tablets
What is this medicine?
Deflazacort (de FLAZ a kort) is a corticosteroid. This medicine is used for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is not a cure.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. You can crush and mix it with applesauce or swallow the tablets whole. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in emotions or moods
changes in vision
eye pain
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger or thirst; increased urination
signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
slow growth in children (if used for longer periods of time)
swelling of ankles, feet
trouble sleeping
weak bones (if used for longer periods of time)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
increased hunger
nausea
upset stomach
weight gain
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
carbamazepine
efavirenz
phenytoin
rifampin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
clarithromycin
diltiazem
fluconazole
grapefruit juice
medicines that relax muscles for surgery
vaccines
verapamil
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Cushing's syndrome
diabetes
glaucoma
heart problems or disease
high blood pressure
infection such as herpes, measles, or chickenpox
kidney disease
liver disease
mental problems
myasthenia gravis
osteoporosis
seizures
stomach ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis
thyroid problem
an unusual or allergic reaction to deflazacort, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Updated:  
June 14, 2019