— Product
DEFLAROS 6 TAB
DEFLAZACORT 6MG
DEFLAROS 6 TAB is a tablet of deflazacort 6 mg, a corticosteroid. It is used in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions — rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, nephrotic syndrome and connective tissue disease — where systemic corticosteroid therapy is indicated.
01
Benefits
- Potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action across a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
- Deflazacort has a somewhat lower impact on bone mineral density and glucose tolerance than equivalent doses of prednisolone.
- Effective in asthma exacerbations, allergic conditions and inflammatory flares where a short oral course is needed.
- Once-daily morning dosing matches the natural cortisol rhythm and reduces adrenal suppression.
- The 6 mg strength allows flexible titration and controlled tapering.
02
Side effects
Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.
Common
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Rise in blood glucose
- Insomnia, restlessness or mood change
- Fluid retention
Less common
- Rise in blood pressure
- Indigestion or gastric irritation
- Acne, thinning skin or easy bruising
- Muscle weakness, particularly of the thighs and shoulders
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
- Signs of infection — fever, sore throat, cough — as steroids mask and worsen infection
- Severe abdominal pain, or black or tarry stools
- Marked confusion, agitation or psychotic symptoms
- Very high blood glucose with thirst, frequent urination and drowsiness
- Sudden severe hip, shoulder or knee pain, which may indicate avascular necrosis
- Blurred vision or eye pain
03
Precautions
- Never stop abruptly after more than a short course. Prolonged use suppresses the adrenal axis, and sudden withdrawal can cause an adrenal crisis. Taper under supervision.
- Corticosteroids mask the signs of infection and impair the response to it. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in a steroid-treated patient with no immunity.
- Live vaccines are contraindicated during and shortly after significant corticosteroid therapy.
- Raises blood glucose. Diabetic patients need closer monitoring and often an increase in their usual therapy.
- Prolonged use causes osteoporosis; bone protection should be considered for courses beyond three months.
- Use with caution in peptic ulcer disease, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, glaucoma, epilepsy and psychiatric illness.
- Take in the morning with food. Patients on long-term therapy should carry a steroid card.
- Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only where clearly indicated.