Calcort (Deflazacort)

Do’s

Before starting the treatment with Calcort, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information provided by your healthcare provider. 

Your healthcare provider will determine the number of tablets to take for each dose. 

For adults, the typical dose range is usually from ½-3 tablets daily, although it may be higher than this if you are acutely unwell. Children are sometimes prescribed a dose to take on alternate days only.

The tablets should be taken in the morning during breakfast and swallowed with a drink of water. 

If a dose is missed at the usual time, it should be taken as soon as remembered (with something to eat). If the dose is not remembered until the following day, the missed dose should be skipped.

Continue taking Calcort until your healthcare provider advises you to stop. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause problems. Your healthcare provider will likely want you to reduce your dose gradually over a period of time if and when this becomes necessary.

Don’t

Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Common Side Effects:

Flushing or redness of the skin

Increased appetite

Stomach discomfort

Unusually warm skin

Belching

Blemishes on the skin

Hair loss or thinning of the hair

Pimples

Stomach upset or pain

Watering of the eyes

Pounding in the ears

Red skin lesions, often with a purple center

Red, irritated eyes

Severe abdominal pain, cramping, or burning

Severe, sudden headache

Slow or fast heartbeat

Slurred speech

Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

Stomach pain

Sudden loss of coordination

Sudden, severe weakness

Less Common Side Effects:

Abnormal behavior

Back pain

Fever

Thin, fragile skin

Red or purple blotches or lines under the skin

Increased hair growth

Acne

Bulging eyes

Irregular or absent menstrual periods

Slowed healing of cuts and bruises

Changes in the way fat is spread around the body

Weak muscles

Joint pain

Frequent urination during the daytime

Dizziness

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Upset stomach

Back pain

Heartburn

Not all individuals will experience these side effects, and there may be other side effects not listed here. If you are concerned about any side effects or notice any other effects, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Additionally, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, seek medical advice promptly.

Inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, especially if you have a history of infections, diabetes, or osteoporosis.

Disclose all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.

Avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles while taking Calcort, and if you are exposed, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Long-term use of Calcort may lead to potential side effects such as osteoporosis, cataracts, and adrenal suppression. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Calcort with your healthcare provider.

This is not an exhaustive list of precautions and warnings, and individual circumstances may vary. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and adhere to their recommendations closely.