Cortiflo

Indications

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine used to reduce inflammation and calm an overactive immune system. It is used for conditions such as severe asthma and allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and other joint and connective tissue diseases, some kidney diseases (such as nephrotic syndrome), some skin and blood disorders, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

How It Works

It acts like cortisol, a natural hormone made by the adrenal glands. It reduces the release of substances that cause inflammation, swelling and allergic reactions, and it dampens the immune response. About 6 mg of deflazacort has a similar effect to 5 mg of Prednisolone.

Dosage and Administration

The dose depends on the condition and its severity, and is set by the doctor; take it exactly as prescribed. A higher dose is often used at first and then reduced to the lowest dose that controls the condition. Children: as prescribed by weight. Take it as a single dose in the morning with or after breakfast. If you have taken it for more than a few weeks, do not stop suddenly; the doctor will reduce the dose gradually.

Interactions

Aspirin and NSAID painkillers (such as Ibuprofen) increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. Rifampicin, Carbamazepine and Phenytoin can reduce its effect, while Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin and Ritonavir can increase it. It can raise blood sugar, so diabetes medicines may need adjusting. Water tablets (diuretics) and Salbutamol can add to potassium loss, which matters with Digoxin. It may change the effect of Warfarin. Live vaccines should not be given during treatment with higher doses.

Contraindications

• Allergy to deflazacort or any ingredient of the product.
• Serious untreated infections, especially widespread fungal infections.
• Receiving live vaccines while on immunosuppressive doses.

Side Effects

Common, especially with higher doses or longer use: increased appetite and weight gain, raised blood sugar, mood changes, trouble sleeping, indigestion, fluid retention, raised blood pressure, more infections and acne. Long-term use can thin the bones, cause cataracts or glaucoma, weaken muscles, thin the skin and slow growth in children.

Get urgent medical help if you have: fever or other signs of infection; contact with chickenpox, shingles or measles if you have not had them; black stools or vomiting blood; severe stomach pain; severe mood changes, confusion or thoughts of harming yourself; blurred vision or eye pain; or severe weakness, dizziness, vomiting or fainting, especially after a dose is missed or stopped.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk; long-term or high-dose use may affect the baby's growth. It passes into breast milk; at higher doses the doctor will advise whether breastfeeding is suitable.

Precautions and Warnings

Carry a steroid card or tell any doctor, dentist or nurse that you take it. Tell the doctor if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, osteoporosis, a stomach ulcer, glaucoma, tuberculosis, epilepsy, liver or kidney disease, or a history of depression or other mental illness. Avoid people with chickenpox or measles. Regular checks of blood pressure, blood sugar, eyes and, in children, growth are needed during long-term use.

Overdose

A single large dose is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seek medical advice. Taking too much for a long time causes the side effects above, such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure and weight gain.

Therapeutic Class

Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.