Defcort 18

Composition of Defcort 18

Defcort 18 contains Deflazacort. It belongs to the Systemic corticosteroid class of medicines.

Uses of Defcort 18

• This medicine is used in the treatment of inflammation
• allergic reactions
• autoimmune conditions and asthma flare.

Key benefits

• Fast and powerful control of inflammation
• Life-saving in severe allergic and autoimmune disease

How Defcort 18 works

Deflazacort suppresses inflammation and calms an over-active immune response throughout the body.

How to take Defcort 18

Use this medicine as your doctor has directed. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

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 18

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

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Raised blood sugar
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood change
• Indigestion
• 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 18

Warnings and precautions

Never stop a course of more than a few days suddenly. Your body stops making its own steroid while you take these, and abrupt withdrawal can cause a dangerous collapse. Your doctor will taper the dose. Tell any doctor treating you that you take steroids, and say so urgently if you develop a serious infection, injury or need surgery — you may need a higher dose to cope. Steroids raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor it more closely during a course. Long-term use thins bones, raises the risk of infection, cataract and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor and may add bone protection. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in people on steroids — seek advice promptly after any contact.

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

Anti-inflammatory painkillers together with steroids markedly raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Live vaccines are generally avoided during significant steroid treatment.

How to store Defcort 18

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Defcort 18

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:

Systemic corticosteroid