Cortimax 6 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET

CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET, manufactured by ZUVENTUS HEALTHCARE LTD., is a corticosteroid medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It contains deflazacort as its active ingredient.

Name

• Brand Name: CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Deflazacort

Composition

Each tablet contains Deflazacort 6 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is prescribed for:

• Inflammatory Conditions: Management of asthma, various forms of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), and other inflammatory conditions.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Treatment of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, dermatomyositis, uveitis, and multiple sclerosis. It works by suppressing the immune system's response.
• Allergic Conditions: Controlling allergies that cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rashes, and managing severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): Used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children over 2 years of age, helping to slow muscle degeneration.
• Other Conditions: Includes minimal change nephrotic syndrome, acute interstitial nephritis, rheumatic carditis, pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, pyoderma gangrenosum, certain leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and immune suppression in transplantation.

Dosage and Administration

CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET should be taken as directed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. The tablet can be swallowed whole with water; if difficult, it may be broken in half.

• Adults: Initial doses for acute disorders can be up to 120 mg/day, with maintenance doses typically ranging from 3-18 mg/day. For severe asthma attacks, higher doses (48-72 mg/day) may be needed initially, then gradually reduced.
• Children: Doses usually range from 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, often on alternate days. The lowest effective dosage should always be used.
• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsen the condition. The dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Weight gain, increased appetite
• Swelling in face, hands, and feet
• Headache, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach
• Skin rash, acne, bruising
• Mood changes, sleeplessness
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, abnormal hair growth

Serious side effects, though less common, can include high blood pressure, vision problems, weakened bones (osteoporosis), and increased risk of infections due to immune suppression. Mental health problems, including depression or suicidal thoughts, can also occur.

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to deflazacort or any other ingredients.
• Infections: Use with caution in patients with active infections (e.g., tuberculosis, herpes), as it can worsen the condition by suppressing the immune system. Inform your doctor if you experience signs of infection like fever or sore throat.
• Medical Conditions: Exercise caution with heart disease (can cause fluid retention), high blood pressure, diabetes (monitor blood sugar closely), liver or kidney impairment, stomach disorders (gastritis, peptic ulcer), osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, and mental health issues.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not generally recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, as it crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Vaccines: Avoid live vaccines while taking CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET and for at least 4-6 weeks after, due to immune suppression.
• Children: Not recommended for children below 2 years of age.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause muscle weakness or tiredness; exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

Storage

Store CORTIMAX 6 MG TABLET at room temperature, ideally between 15-25°C or below 30°C. Keep the strip in its original container, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets. Ensure tablets are used before their expiry date.

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet (Deflazacort) is a corticosteroid medication used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. It works by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.

What is CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet used for?

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet is used to manage a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These include arthritis, asthma, various allergies, and skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. It is also prescribed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adults and children over 2 years of age. Additionally, it may be used in post-transplant therapy to help prevent organ rejection.

How does CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet work?

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet contains deflazacort, which belongs to a class of medicines called corticosteroids or glucocorticoids. It works by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. Deflazacort targets immune cells and suppresses the production of inflammatory chemicals like cytokines and prostaglandins. By doing so, it helps to alleviate symptoms and prevent tissue damage caused by inflammation or the body's immune system attacking itself (autoimmune reactions).

What is the usual dosage for CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet?

The dosage of CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It is generally taken once daily, with or without food, preferably in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it. For Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a single maximum dose of 0.9 mg/kg once daily with a meal is often prescribed. Maintenance doses for most conditions typically range from 3-18 mg per day. In acute asthma attacks, higher initial doses (48-72 mg/day) may be needed, which are then gradually reduced. For children, doses usually range from 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, and alternate-day administration might be appropriate. Always follow your doctor's instructions and do not change your dosage without consulting them.

What are the possible side effects of CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet?

Common side effects include weight gain (especially around the face), swelling in the face, hands, and feet, headache, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, skin rash, acne, bruising, mood changes, increased appetite, frequent urination, and sleeplessness. More serious, but less common, side effects can include severe stomach pain (potentially indicating an ulcer or pancreatitis), significant mental health problems (such as depression or suicidal thoughts), or signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives). CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet can also make it harder for your body to fight off infections. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, or signs of infection (fever, sore throat), you should contact your doctor immediately.

Is CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Caution is advised, and it may be considered unsafe in pregnancy as it crosses the placenta, and prolonged or repeated use may increase the risk of intrauterine growth retardation. Similarly, it is probably unsafe during breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and could potentially harm the infant. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to weigh the benefits against the risks.

Can CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet can interact with many other medications. It is very important to inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Some notable interactions include certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, rifampin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, fluconazole), heart medications (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), painkillers (e.g., aspirin, carbamazepine), anti-diabetic medicines, water tablets (diuretics), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), medicines for epilepsy, oral contraceptives, and medicines for high blood pressure. Additionally, you should avoid live vaccines while taking this medication. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet or your other medicines.

What precautions should be taken while using CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet?

Do not stop taking CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition; the dose typically needs to be lowered gradually. Since this medicine suppresses the immune system, it can worsen active infections such as tuberculosis, herpes, measles, or chickenpox. Use with caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as it can cause fluid retention and impact blood sugar control. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended for diabetic patients. If you have a history of mental health issues, stomach ulcers, kidney or liver impairment, osteoporosis, or myasthenia gravis, discuss these with your doctor. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while on this medication, and caution is advised when driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness.

What happens if a dose of CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How should CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet be stored?

CORTIMAX 6 MG Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 15-25°C or below 30°C. Keep it in its original container, protected from direct light and moisture. Ensure the medicine is kept in an area inaccessible to children and pets, and always use it before its expiry date.