Indications
Calcort is an oral medication prescribed for the treatment of treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including certain autoimmune diseases, asthma, and allergic reactions. It is brand name for the medication deflazacort, which is a glucocorticoid used as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent.
Use and Dosage
Deflazacort comes in the form of tablets to take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually taken once a day with or without food. The tablets can be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with applesauce. But the mixture should be taken immediately. It is usually taken once a day with or without food.
The recommended dosage of Deflazacort may vary depending on the age and condition of the patient. However, a typical starting dose for adults is between 6 and 90 milligrams per day depending on the severity and evolution of the specific disease. For children aged 2 years and older, the typical dose is around 0.9 milligram per kilogram of body weight per day, taken orally once daily. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional for proper dosing instructions as they may need to adjust the dose based on the individual patient's response to treatment and medical history.
Do not stop taking Deflazacort without consulting your doctor first. Be aware of the potential side effects associated with Deflazacort use, such as acneiform eruptions, and report any adverse effects to your doctor immediately.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Calcort (Deflazacort):
- Acne
- Back pain
- Bulging eyes
- Changes in the way fat is spread around the body
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination during the daytime
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Increased appetite
- Increased hair growth
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Joint pain
- Red or purple blotches or lines under the skin
- Slowed healing of cuts and bruises
- Thin, fragile skin
- Upset stomach
- Weak muscles
Serious Side Effects of Calcort (Deflazacort):
- Changes in vision
- Confusion
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Extreme changes in mood changes in personality
- Eye pain, redness, or tearing
- Hives
- Inappropriate happiness
- Itching
- Ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
- Peeling or blistering skin
- Rash
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
- Stomach pain
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
Forms and Strength
Calcort (Deflazacort) is available in the following forms and strength:
Deflazacort: Tablet
- 1 mg
- 6 mg
- 30 mg
Cautions
- Calcort can cause an increased risk of infection and can mask the symptoms of infections, so it should be used with caution in people with current or recent infections.
- Deflazacort can cause increased blood sugar levels, so it should be used with caution in people with diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
- Calcort can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of certain types of cancer, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of cancer or a family history of cancer.
- Deflazacort can cause osteoporosis and bone fractures, particularly with long-term use, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of osteoporosis or bone fractures.
- Calcort can cause high blood pressure, fluid retention, and electrolyte imbalances, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of cardiovascular disease or kidney problems.
- Calcort can cause mental health problems such as mood changes, anxiety, and depression, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of mental health disorders.
- Deflazacort can interact with other medications and supplements, so it should be used with caution in people taking other medications or supplements. Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking.
- Deflazacort can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers and bleeding, particularly with long-term use, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of gastrointestinal problems.
- Calcort can cause muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly with long-term use, so it should be used with caution in people with a history of muscle disorders.
- Deflazacort can affect growth and development in children, so it should be used with caution in children who are still growing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Calcort safe for children?
Calcort is generally considered safe for use in children, although the dosage and duration of treatment may be different compared to adults.
Can Calcort cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a common side effect of taking Calcort, especially with long-term use. It is thought to be due to an increase in appetite and changes in metabolism. Patients taking Calcort for a long time may need to make lifestyle changes to control their weight.
How long does it take for Calcort to start working?
The onset of action of Calcort may vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients may start to experience improvement within a few days, while others may take several weeks to see a noticeable difference. Continue taking Calcort as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your progress.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208684s000,208685s000lbl.pdf
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/deflazacort
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617024.html
- https://www.drugs.com/dosage/deflazacort.html
- https://www.rxlist.com/deflazacort/generic-drug.htm
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