Defza (other name Deflazacort)

Common use

Deflazacort is a steroid that is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children at least 2 years old. Deflazacort is not a cure for muscular dystrophy, but deflazacort may improve muscle strength and slow the progression of disability.

Dosage and direction

Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may take deflazacort with or without food. You may need to take multiple tablets of different strengths to make up your correct dose. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Deflazacort doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight. Usual Adult Dose for Muscular Dystrophy: Approximately 0.9 mg/kg orally once a day. Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscular Dystrophy (2 years or older): Approximately 0.9 mg/kg orally once a day.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had: any type of bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasite infection; heart problems, high blood pressure; a stroke or blood clot; fluid retention; kidney disease; liver disease (especially hepatitis B); a stomach or intestinal disorder; a colostomy or ileostomy; cataracts, glaucoma, or herpes infection of the eyes; diabetes; a nerve-muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis; low bone mineral density; or a problem with your thyroid, pituitary gland, or adrenal gland.
Taking deflazacort during early pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip and palate in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Taking deflazacort at any time during pregnancy may affect adrenal gland hormones in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if your baby has symptoms such as dry skin, weakness, feeding problems, or vomiting.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using deflazacort. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Contraindications

You should not use deflazacort if you are allergic to it.
Deflazacort should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with deflazacort and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking deflazacort.
While taking deflazacort and for at least 4 to 6 weeks before you start taking it: Do not receive a "live" vaccine or you could develop a serious infection. Ask your doctor before getting any vaccine.

Possible side effect

Deflazacort may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: fever, chills, sore throat, weakness; severe or ongoing diarrhea; any skin rash, no matter how mild; blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; swelling in your hands, feet, or lower legs; severe muscle weakness; decreased adrenal gland hormones - weakness, diarrhea, nausea, menstrual changes, skin discoloration, craving salty foods, and feeling light-headed; increased adrenal gland hormones - weight gain in your face and upper back, slow wound healing, skin discoloration, acne, thinning skin, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes; high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or low potassium level - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects of deflazacort may include: increased appetite; weight gain; increased growth of body hair; sleep problems; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough; frequent urge to urinate; or changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face and back).

Drug interaction

When you start or stop taking deflazacort, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of any other medicines you take on a regular basis.

Missed dose

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep away from children and pets.