Medicine Information

Imucort

Name: Imucort
Brand: Imucort
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet6 mgCorticosteroidATC: H02AB13

Generic Name

Deflazacort

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
imucort 6 mg tablet	৳ 8.00	৳ 80.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Imucort 6 mg Tablet contains Deflazacort, a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is primarily used to treat various conditions such as rheumatic disorders, allergic reactions, skin diseases, respiratory problems, and certain blood disorders.

Uses & Indications

Rheumatic disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)

Allergic conditions (e.g., severe asthma, severe allergic rhinitis, angioedema)

Dermatological diseases (e.g., severe psoriasis, pemphigus, erythema multiforme)

Respiratory disorders (e.g., severe bronchial asthma, sarcoidosis)

Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)

Renal diseases (e.g., nephrotic syndrome)

Hematological disorders (e.g., hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)

Neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis exacerbations)

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Dosage

Adults

Initial dosage typically 6-90 mg daily, adjusted according to disease severity and patient response. For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, usually 0.9 mg/kg/day.

Elderly

No specific dosage adjustment usually required, but caution is advised due to potential co-morbidities and polypharmacy.

Renal_impairment

No specific dosage adjustment recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.

How to Take

Take orally, preferably with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew.

Mechanism of Action

Deflazacort is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to its active metabolite, 21-desacetyl deflazacort. This active metabolite binds to glucocorticoid receptors in the cytoplasm, forming a receptor-steroid complex. This complex then translocates to the nucleus, where it modulates gene expression, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators. It has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic properties.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Anti-inflammatory effects typically seen within hours; full therapeutic effects may take days.

Excretion

Mainly excreted in urine (about 70%) and feces (about 30%) as metabolites.

Half life

Plasma half-life of active metabolite is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, converted to active metabolite (21-desacetyl deflazacort).

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized in the liver to the active metabolite, 21-desacetyl deflazacort, and then further metabolized to inactive forms.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Systemic fungal infections
Hypersensitivity to deflazacort or any component of the formulation
Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines during treatment with immunosuppressive doses of deflazacort

Drug Interactions

Antidiabetics

May increase blood glucose levels, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic medication.

Anticoagulants

May alter anticoagulant effect; close monitoring of INR is required.

Live/attenuated vaccines

Should not be administered during immunosuppressive doses of deflazacort.

Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Rifampicin

May reduce deflazacort's effects by increasing its metabolism.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.

Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Erythromycin, Grapefruit juice

May increase deflazacort's effects by inhibiting its metabolism.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include exacerbation of common side effects. Management is primarily supportive and symptomatic. Gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be considered if recent ingestion. No specific antidote. Chronic overdose may lead to adrenal suppression.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; caution is advised or consider discontinuing breastfeeding, especially with high doses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets per strip30 tablets per box

Shelf Life

Usually 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to the packaging for exact expiry date.

Availability

Pharmacies, hospitals

Approval Status

Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide

Patent Status

Generic available, original patent expired

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Deflazacort has undergone numerous clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in various inflammatory and immunosuppressive conditions, including specific trials for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Lab Monitoring

Blood glucose levels (especially in diabetics)
Electrolyte levels (potassium, sodium)
Blood pressure
Bone mineral density (with long-term use)
Eye exams (for cataracts/glaucoma with long-term use)
Growth monitoring in children

Doctor Notes

Careful dose titration is crucial, starting with the lowest effective dose and adjusting based on clinical response.
Patients on long-term therapy should be monitored for bone mineral density, ocular pressure, and glycemic control.
Educate patients about the importance of not discontinuing abruptly and the potential for adrenal suppression.

Patient Guidelines

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, especially after prolonged use, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms or adrenal crisis. Tapering off under medical supervision is essential.
Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) to your doctor immediately, as corticosteroids can mask symptoms of infection.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some individuals. If you experience these effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
Engage in regular, moderate exercise if appropriate and advised by your doctor.
Avoid contact with people who have infections, especially chickenpox or measles, if you are immunosuppressed.
Monitor blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes or are at risk.