Pregnancy interaction

• Should be used carefully when pregnant.
• Taking steroids for a long time or in large amounts may raise the risk of:
• Low weight at birth
• Limiting growth
• Adrenal suppression in the fetus
• Only give it when the benefits outweigh the hazards.
• Needs close supervision by a doctor.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

 FAQs for Medicine?

Q1. What is the purpose of Zefcort-12?

For allergies, inflammation, asthma attacks, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and a number of skin or respiratory problems.

Q2. Is Zefcort-12 a type of steroid?

Yes. Deflazacort, a kind of corticosteroid, is in it.

Q3. Is it okay to take it every day?

Only as directed. Doctors need to watch people who use steroids every day for a long time.

Q4. Is it making you gain weight?

Yes, using it for a long time can make you gain weight, feel hungrier, and hold on to water.

Q5. How fast does it work?

It starts to function in 1 to 3 hours; however, it may take 1 to 3 days to work fully.

Q6. Can I stop it all of a sudden?

No. To prevent adrenal insufficiency, it must be decreased slowly.

Expert advice

• Take it every morning to help you sleep better.
• Don't stop suddenly.
• Check on a frequent basis if you are using it for a long time:
• Blood sugar (steroids can elevate sugar levels)
• Pressure in the blood
• Weight
• Bone density
• Pressure in the eyes (risk of cataracts or glaucoma)
• Stay away from infections; your immune system will get weak.
• Talk to your doctor before getting any live vaccinations.
• To lessen side effects, eat a diet low in salt and sugar.
• Be careful with patients who have:
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Problems with the kidneys
• Osteoporosis
• Eye problems

Side effects

• A bigger appetite
• Gaining weight
• Changes in mood (such being irritable or anxious)
• Upset stomach, acidity
• Headache
• Can't sleep
• Holding on to fluid
• Blood sugar levels that are too high
• Weakness in the muscles
• Long-Term Side Effects
• Osteoporosis
• Eye issues (cataract, glaucoma)
• Weak immunity → frequent illnesses
• Thin skin, sluggish healing
• High blood pressure
• Seek urgent attention if you have severe infection, edema, visual difficulties, or allergic reactions.

How It Works

• Deflazacort is a glucocorticoid steroid.
• It helps with symptoms by:
• Reducing inflammation
• Lessening the activity of the immunological system
• Lessening edema, redness, and pain
• Offers anti-inflammatory effects with fewer side effects compared to older corticosteroids.

Medicine interaction

• Don't use it, or be careful when you do.
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) – ↑ risk of stomach ulcers
• Anti-diabetic drugs—steroids may elevate blood sugar levels.
• Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole) raise steroid levels.
• Blood thinners (warfarin) may influence INR
• Live vaccinations should not be given while using steroids.
• Rifampicin lessens the effects of steroids.
• Anti-seizure drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin make deflazacort less effective.
• Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take.

How to Use

• Take as directed by your doctor, generally once a day.
• Preferably a morning dose.
• Take with food to avoid upsetting your stomach.
• Swallow whole with water; do not crush.
• Don't miss doses.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, unless it's near to the following dose.
• Never duplicate the dose.

Uses/Indications

• Allergic conditions
• Asthma & COPD exacerbations
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis)
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Musculoskeletal inflammation
• Certain blood disorders
• Post-transplant inflammation control (doctor-guided)