Defcort 1 Tablet

Composition of Defcort 1 Tablet

Defcort 1 Tablet contains Deflazacort 1 mg. It belongs to the Glucocorticoid class of medicines.

Uses of Defcort 1 Tablet

• Allergic and inflammatory conditions
• autoimmune disorders
• steroid-responsive skin/joint conditions; used in pediatric inflammatory disorders as prescribed

Key benefits

• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Controls allergic symptoms
• Suppresses autoimmune activity
• Helps relieve pain and redness
• Useful in steroid-responsive conditions

How Defcort 1 Tablet works

Deflazacort is a glucocorticoid that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune activity by decreasing production of inflammatory mediators. It helps relieve swelling, pain, and allergic symptoms.

How to take Defcort 1 Tablet

Take exactly as prescribed, preferably with food or milk. Do not stop suddenly if used for more than a few days; dose taper may be needed. Follow pediatric dosing carefully when applicable.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Defcort 1 Tablet

Most side effects of Defcort are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Increased appetite
• weight gain
• indigestion
• mood changes
• insomnia
• increased blood sugar
• fluid retention

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Defcort 1 Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Prolonged use can cause infections, adrenal suppression, growth retardation in children, osteoporosis, cataract/glaucoma, hypertension and diabetes worsening. Avoid exposure to chickenpox/measles; avoid live vaccines while on immunosuppressive doses. Consult doctor for fever, persistent sore throat, or unusual bruising.

Do not take Defcort if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment.

Interactions with other medicines

NSAIDs (ulcer/bleed risk), antidiabetic medicines (reduced control), anticoagulants (altered INR), CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, phenytoin) decrease effect, CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) increase effect, live vaccines

How to store Defcort 1 Tablet

Store below 25°C, protected from moisture and light.

Expert advice for Defcort 1 Tablet

Take the whole daily dose in the morning with food, unless your doctor directs otherwise — this suits the body's own rhythm and helps you sleep. Carry a steroid card or note if you are on a long course. Watch your salt, sugar and weight during the course.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MACLEODS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Therapeutic class:

Corticosteroid

Drug class:

Glucocorticoid