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.