Enzocort 6 Tablet

ENZOCORT 6 TABLET

Name: Enzocort 6 Tablet (Brand Name) Composition: Deflazacort (6mg)

Uses: Enzocort 6 Tablet is a corticosteroid medication with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant properties. It is prescribed for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, ulcerative colitis, and other inflammatory disorders affecting muscles and joints.
• Allergic Conditions: Severe allergic reactions and various allergic disorders.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the body, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (in adults and children over 2 years), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.
• Immunosuppression: Used in transplant patients to suppress the immune system and prevent organ rejection.
• Other Conditions: Certain types of cancer (like leukaemia or lymphoma), skin disorders, eye disorders, and rheumatic disorders.

Dosage and Administration: Enzocort 6 Tablet should be taken orally, typically once daily at the same time each day, or as prescribed by a doctor. It is recommended to take the tablet with food to minimize stomach discomfort. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. If swallowing is difficult, it may be broken in half. Dosage varies based on the condition and patient response; for adults, maintenance doses generally range from 3-18 mg/day, while children's doses are usually 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day, potentially on alternate days. Abrupt discontinuation of the medicine should be avoided as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms; the dosage should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cushingoid appearance (puffy face)
• Cough, upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis
• Abnormal hair growth
• Mood changes (e.g., irritability, euphoria), sleep disturbances
• Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, and heartburn
• Skin changes including acne, thinning of the skin, redness, and stretch marks
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, nervousness, diarrhea, and fast heartbeats

More serious but less common side effects can include increased blood pressure, bone loss (osteoporosis), peptic ulcers, and glaucoma or cataracts.

Precautions:

• Infections: Enzocort 6 Tablet can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Report any signs of infection (fever, sore throat) to your doctor immediately.
• Medical History: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing conditions, including hypertension, heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, myasthenia gravis, depression, stomach disorders (gastritis, peptic ulcer), liver or kidney dysfunction, or a history of tuberculosis or blood clots.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Enzocort 6 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a doctor after evaluating the benefits and risks.
• Alcohol: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Enzocort 6 Tablet.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially those for diabetes, epilepsy, oral contraceptives, painkillers (like Aspirin), cancer, fungal infections (like Ketoconazole), or blood thinners (like Warfarin).
• Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines while on this medication.
• Driving: The medicine may cause dizziness or vertigo, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
• Children: Not recommended for children below 2 years of age; caution is advised for children between 2 and 5 years.

Storage: Store Enzocort 6 Tablet in a cool and dry place, preferably below 25°C or 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children.

ENZOCORT 6 TABLET by ALKEM LABORATORIES LTD is a corticosteroid medication containing Deflazacort. It is primarily used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

What is Enzocort 6 Tablet used for?

Enzocort 6 Tablet is used to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. These include allergic conditions, asthma, various forms of arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), inflammatory bowel disease, certain skin disorders (such as psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis), eye disorders, blood disorders, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is also used in post-transplant surgeries to prevent organ rejection and in the management of some types of cancer.

How does Enzocort 6 Tablet work?

Enzocort 6 Tablet contains Deflazacort, which is a corticosteroid. It works by mimicking the action of natural hormones produced by your adrenal glands (glucocorticoids). The medicine functions by reducing inflammation (swelling, redness, pain) and by suppressing or altering the way the immune system works. This action helps to inhibit the release of substances that cause inflammation and prevents the immune system from damaging the body in autoimmune reactions.

What is the usual dosage for Enzocort 6 Tablet?

The dosage of Enzocort 6 Tablet varies greatly depending on the specific condition being treated, its severity, and the patient's response to the medication. It should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Generally, for adults, maintenance doses typically range from 3 to 18 mg per day. For acute conditions like asthma attacks, higher initial doses, such as 48-72 mg/day, may be prescribed. For children, doses are usually between 0.25 - 1.5 mg/kg/day, and sometimes alternate-day administration may be recommended. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, preferably after meals to minimize stomach upset, and taken at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of Enzocort 6 Tablet?

Common side effects can include increased appetite, weight gain, frequent urination, mood changes (such as irritability or euphoria), sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or indigestion, skin changes like acne or thinning skin, upper respiratory tract infections, abnormal hair growth, obesity, and nasopharyngitis. More serious potential side effects include a weakened immune system, bone thinning (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar levels. If any side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is Enzocort 6 Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Enzocort 6 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy as there is limited human data, and animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor, who will weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Similarly, it is likely unsafe during breastfeeding as the active ingredient might pass into breast milk and could harm the infant. Your doctor may suggest an alternative treatment or advise close monitoring of the baby if deemed necessary.

Can Enzocort 6 Tablet be taken with other medications?

Enzocort 6 Tablet can interact with other medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It's important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Notable interactions include:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May increase the risk of stomach ulcers or bleeding.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May potentiate their effects, increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents and Insulin: Enzocort 6 Tablet may increase blood glucose levels, potentially reducing the effectiveness of diabetes medications.
• Antifungal agents (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole): Can affect how Enzocort 6 Tablet works.
• Diuretics (Water pills): May decrease the effectiveness of Enzocort 6 Tablet.
• Oral contraceptives: The efficacy of birth control pills may be reduced.

What precautions should be taken while using Enzocort 6 Tablet?

• Do not stop abruptly: It is crucial not to stop taking Enzocort 6 Tablet suddenly, even if you feel better. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, headache, joint and muscle pain, and weight loss. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over a few weeks.
• Infections: This medicine can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with sick individuals and report any signs of infection (like fever or sore throat) to your doctor immediately.
• Medical History: Inform your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have allergies, existing infections, blood clot problems, epilepsy, liver or kidney issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health problems, or a history of hepatitis B.
• Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines for at least 4-6 weeks before and during treatment, as it may cause severe allergic reactions.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as it may increase side effects like stomach irritation.
• Driving and Machinery: Enzocort 6 Tablet usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but if you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid such activities.

What happens if a dose of Enzocort 6 Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Enzocort 6 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 compensate for the missed one.

How should Enzocort 6 Tablet be stored?

Store Enzocort 6 Tablet at or below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect it from direct sunlight and moisture. Always keep this medicine out of the reach and sight of children and pets.