Defcort Oral Suspension

Composition of Defcort Oral Suspension

Defcort Oral Suspension contains Deflazacort (6mg/5ml). It belongs to the Glucocorticoid class of medicines.

Uses of Defcort Oral Suspension

• Allergic and inflammatory conditions
• asthma exacerbations
• autoimmune disorders (e.g.
• rheumatoid conditions)
• nephrotic syndrome
• skin disorders

Key benefits

• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Relieves allergy symptoms
• Improves breathing in steroid-responsive asthma
• Helps control autoimmune flare-ups

How Defcort Oral Suspension works

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune response and decreasing release of inflammatory mediators. It helps relieve swelling, redness, pain and allergic symptoms.

How to take Defcort Oral Suspension

Take exactly as prescribed. Shake well before use and measure with a dosing syringe/cup. Can be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset; do not stop suddenly without medical advice.

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 Oral Suspension

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

• Increased appetite
• weight gain
• indigestion
• nausea
• mood changes
• sleep disturbance
• headache
• raised 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 Oral Suspension

Warnings and precautions

Do not stop abruptly (risk of adrenal suppression). Use with caution in diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, glaucoma/cataract, peptic ulcer, liver disease and infections. Avoid exposure to chickenpox/measles; steroids can worsen infections. Long-term use may cause growth suppression in children, bone loss and Cushingoid features.

Do not take Defcort Oral 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 (GI bleeding risk), anticoagulants (warfarin), antidiabetics (reduced effect), rifampicin/phenytoin/carbamazepine (reduced steroid effect), ketoconazole/ritonavir (increased steroid levels), live vaccines (avoid)

How to store Defcort Oral Suspension

Store below 25°C, protect from light and moisture. Keep bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Defcort Oral Suspension

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