Why it's used

Defnalone Tablet is used to treat genetic defect characterized by muscle weakness and degeneration. It is also used to treat various conditions like allergic reactions, asthma, joint inflammation, pain and stiffness in the shoulder and hips, immune-mediated diseases, kidney disease with loss of protein, inflammation of the heart muscle and tissue, inflammation of the digestive tract. Use of Defnalone helps to treat the condition of inflammation of the eye, and blood disorders. It is also used to avoid organ rejection during transplantation. This medicine works by suppressing the immune system and thereby reducing inflammation. This medicine helps by treating a variety of auto-immune diseases.
Corticosteroid
Defnalone is a prescription medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called Corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are medicines that are used to provide relief for inflammation in the body. They reduce swelling, redness, itching, and certain allergic reactions. They are often used to treat severe skin problems, asthma, and arthritis. Corticosteroids can have side-effects that are very serious as they are very strong medicines.

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How to use

Read the medicine guide provided by your pharmacist, your doctor, or the medicine company. If you have any questions related to Defnalone, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use Defnalone Tablet as per the instructions provided by your doctor.
Defnalone is consumed with or without food. Defnalone tablets can be swallowed whole or crushed. The dose should be taken promptly after mixing with applesauce. Shake oral suspension of Defnalone before use. The dose should be withdrawn by using oral dispenser provided with the product. Add the appropriate treatment of Defnalone slowly into 3-4 ounces of milk or juice and mix well. Take the mixed dose immediately. Defnalone should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Do not use the remaining Defnalone oral suspension after one month of the opening of the bottle.

Typical Dosage

The typical dose of Defnalone for adults is 0.9 mg/kg/day (0.4 mg/lb/day) once daily. The usual dose for children is 0.25-1.5 mg/kg/day (0.11-0.68 mg/lb/day). This medicine is not known to be addictive or habit-forming.
This medicine is to be used for longer periods of time. The Defnalone may be used for long term treatment of long-term condition of severe diseases.
If using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the dose using the provided measuring cup, spoon, or dropper. Before pouring the medicine into the measuring device, you should check the measurement markings carefully. Then, pour the dose amount into the device. After use, clean and store the measuring device in a safe place for your next use. You should not use a tablespoon or teaspoon as the dose measuring devices since it can result in an incorrect dose. If indicated on the product package, shake the medicine before use.

Talk to Your Doctor

Discuss with your doctor if you develop new symptoms. Discuss with your doctor if sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, headache, coughing, straining, nausea, fits, fainting, eyesight problems, pain in eyes, confusion, low birth weight in infants, and heart muscle disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) in infants. If you have issues with the health of your liver, a minimum effective dose of Defnalone should be given with careful monitoring. Consult with your doctor before stopping the use of Defnalone.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of this medicine to understand the impact on the body. Please follow your doctor's recommendations. A lower dose of this medicine may be recommended to reduce the risk of side-effects.
When stopping this medicine, some patients may experience withdrawal symptoms like decreased production of hormones by adrenal gland (adrenal insufficiency), low blood pressure, can be fatal, fever, muscle pain, pink eye (conjunctivitis), joint pain (arthralgia), stuffy nose (rhinitis), painful itchy skin nodules, weight loss, restlessness, increased pressure inside the skull with swelling of optic disc in children (pseudotumor cerebri), drowsiness, and vomiting. You may need to taper (gradually decrease) the dose of this medicine when stopping.

Use in Children

If you are giving Defnalone Tablet to a child, be sure to use a product that is for use in children. Use the child's weight or age to find the right dose from the product package or medicine label. You can also read the dosage section of this page to know the correct dose for your child. Else, consult with your doctor and follow their recommendation.
Avoid grapefruit juice while using Defnalone.
Medicines may be recommended for uses other than those listed in the medicine guide. You should not use Defnalone Tablet for conditions or symptoms for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Defnalone Tablet to other people, even if they have the same conditions or symptoms that you have. The use of this medicine without the advice of a doctor may cause harm.

Storage

Follow storage instructions on the product package if available. Store Defnalone Tablet at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Store this medicine away from children and pets.

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How to take Defnalone

Your dose may depend on several personal factors. You should consult with your doctor to find out the dose that is best for you. The dose of Defnalone depends on the following factors:
  • patient's age
  • patient's weight
  • patient's health
  • the health of the patient's kidneys
  • response to treatment

Defnalone Dosage

Dosage for progressive muscle weakness and degeneration

Adult
  • Recommended: 0.9 mg/kg/day (0.4 mg/lb/day) once daily
Children (aged more than 5 years)
  • Recommended: 0.9 mg/kg (0.4 mg/lb) once daily

Dosage for joint inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis)

Adult
  • Recommended: 3-18 mg/day

Dosage for asthma

Adult
  • Recommended: 48-72 mg/day
Children
  • Initial: 0.25-1.0 mg/kg (0.11-0.45 mg/lb) on alternate days

Dosage for long-term joint inflammation

Children
  • Recommended: 0.25-1.0 mg/kg/day (0.11-0.45 mg/lb/day)

Dosage for presence of proteins into the urine

Children
  • Initial: 1.5 mg/kg/day (0.68 mg/lb/day) and decrease the dose based on patient's need

Minimum Age

5 years

Dosage calculation for children

To calculate the dosage for children please use the weight based dose calculator to calculate the appropriate dosage as per the weight of your child.

Forms

Tablet
Strength: 6 mg, 18 mg, 30 mg and 36 mg
Suspension
Strength: 22.75 mg/ml

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's time for next dose. Avoid taking a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

What to do if you overdose on Defnalone?
In case of overdose, close supervision and supportive care should be provided. Stomach emptying should be performed by cleaning out the contents of the stomach or by vomit. The dose of Defnalone should be reduced or alternate day therapy should be started if there is a need for steroid therapy for severe diseases.
If you think you have overdosed on Defnalone Tablet, call a poison control center immediately. You can look up the poison control center information from the Poison Center Finder at TabletWise.com.

Precautions while using Defnalone

Before you use Defnalone, tell your doctor of your medical and health history including the following:
  • a blood clot in the blood vessels (thromboembolic disorder)
  • bacterial infection (pyogenic infection)
  • bone weakness (osteoporosis)
  • cannot digest or tolerate some sugars
  • depression
  • emotional instability
  • episodes of depression and elevated mood (manic-depressive illness)
  • had any vaccinations with live viruses
  • heart disease
  • heart failure
  • high blood glucose (diabetes mellitus)
  • high blood pressure
  • infection that affects the whole body (systemic infection)
  • inflammation of small pouches in the intestinal wall (diverticulitis)
  • inflammation of the food pipe (oesophagitis)
  • inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
  • kidney disease (renal insufficiency)
  • liver failure
  • mental disorder (psychotic tendency)
  • muscle weakness (myopathy)
  • organ damage (cirrhosis)
  • pus collection (abscess)
  • seizures (epilepsy)
  • skeletal muscle weakness
  • stomach ulcer
  • surgery of the intestine (fresh intestinal anastomosis)
  • tumour of adrenal gland tissue (pheochromocytoma)
  • ulcers in the digestive tract (ulcerative colitis)
  • underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
  • viral infection of the eye (Ocular herpes simplex)
The patients should be aware of the risk of developing mental disorders such as depression and alterations in mood. The patients having diabetes mellitus should use Defnalone with caution. Use of Defnalone may lead to increased salt and water retention which increases the excretion of potassium. Thus, in patients having heart disease, salt restriction in diet and intake of potassium supplements is advised. The patients should tell the doctor if they are suffering from intestinal ulcers while using Defnalone as it may lead to intestinal perforation.
Before you use Defnalone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or its ingredients. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine and update your medical records to record this information.
Before having any surgery, discuss with your doctor and dentist about medicines you use including prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements.
The use of Defnalone Tablet may change blood glucose. Use of Defnalone may increase the glucose level in the blood.
The use of this medicine may change sodium and potassium levels. An increase in sodium level and decrease in potassium level may occur.
The use of Defnalone Tablet may change blood pressure. The patients may have elevated levels of blood pressure while using this medicine.
The use of this medicine may change calcium. The calcium level may decrease while using this medicine.

Use when Pregnant

Defnalone should be used only when required in patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Defnalone should be used in pregnant women only if the benefit of using this medicine is greater than the potential risk to the fetus as there are no well-controlled and adequate studies with Defnalone in pregnant women.

If Breastfeeding

Consult with your doctor on the use of Defnalone Tablet during breastfeeding. Defnalone may pass into breast milk which may lead to decreased growth and may interfere with the hormonal production by adrenal glands. Therefore, the benefits and risks of this medicine should be considered before breastfeeding.

If trying to Conceive

Consult with your doctor on the use of Defnalone, if you are trying to conceive. The impact of Defnalone on fertility is not known.

Seizures

Defnalone can make you feel sleepy. Be careful, especially while driving, while using heavy machinery, or when doing any activity that needs you to be completely alert. The consumption of alcohol with Defnalone can worsen the sleepiness. Defnalone may cause seizures in some people. Hence, you should discuss with your doctor before performing any activities where a loss of consciousness may cause harm to you or others.

Increase in Risk

This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Regular use of tobacco or alcohol may increase the risk. Discuss with your doctor if you smoke and drink alcohol regularly. Defnalone Tablet can increase your risk of getting infections/worsen existing infections. Reduce your chances of getting new infections by washing your hand regularly. Prevent cuts, bruises or injuries. Avoid people who may have infectious diseases. Avoid getting vaccinated. Defnalone may weaken the immune response to the micro-organisms leading to an increased risk of infection including bacterial, viral, protozoan, fungal, or helminthic.

Side-effects in Older Patients

Older patients may have a higher incidence of side-effects when using Defnalone Tablet. Elderly patients may see an increased risk of bone weakness (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, low potassium level, high blood sugar level (diabetes), susceptibility to an infection, and thinning of the skin.

Side-effects in Children

Younger patients may have a higher incidence of side-effects with Defnalone Tablet. Younger patients may see an increased risk of growth suppression, cloudy area on the back surface of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts), thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis), and swelling of the optic disc due to increased pressure in the skull.

Long-term Use

The prolonged use of Defnalone may cause clouding of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts), damage to the optic nerves causing vision loss, may enhance the eye infections, less growth of babies in the womb (intra-uterine growth retardation), high cortisol levels (Cushing’s syndrome) and bone weakness (osteoporosis) in the patients.

What precautions should be taken during Pregnancy and Nursing, and administering Defnalone to Children or the Older Adults?

Pregnant Women

Only When Necessary
Warning: There are no well-controlled studies of Defnalone in pregnancy. This medicine may cross the placenta. So, Defnalone should be used in pregnant women only if the benefit of using this medicine is greater than the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding

Only When Necessary
Warning: Use of Defnalone during breastfeeding may lead to decreased fetal growth and may interfere with the hormonal production by adrenal glands.

Younger Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: The safety and efficacy of Defnalone have not been established in children of age less than 5 years. The use of Defnalone may cause growth suppression in children.

Older Adults Population

Precaution
Warning: Use of Defnalone in elderly patients may cause side effects such as bone weakness (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, low potassium level, high blood sugar level (diabetes), thinning of the skin and susceptibility to infection.

Defnalone Side-effects

The following side-effects may commonly occur when using Defnalone Tablet. If any of these side-effects worsen or last for a long time, you should consult with your doctor:
  • common cold (nasopharyngitis)
  • cough
  • excessive body hair (hirsutism)
  • facial puffiness (cushingoid appearance)
  • increased appetite
  • increased urinary frequency in daytime (pollakiuria)
  • obesity
  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • weight increased
The following side-effects may commonly occur in older patients on the use of Defnalone Tablet. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
The following side-effects may commonly occur in children when using Defnalone Tablet. Discuss with your doctor if any of these side-effects last for a long time or are severe:
  • cloudy area on the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts)
  • growth suppression
  • inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis)
  • swelling of the optic disc due to increased pressure in the skull
  • thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
Rarely, the use of Defnalone Tablet may cause the following side-effects:
  • a feeling of restlessness (psychomotor hyperactivity)
  • abnormal behavior
  • abnormal colouration of the urine (chromaturia)
  • absence of a menstrual period (amenorrhoea)
  • acne
  • affect lability/ labile mood
  • aggression
  • back injury
  • back pain
  • back pain
  • behavioural disturbances
  • bloating (feeling full or bloated)
  • bone weakness (osteoporosis)
  • bruise (contusion)
  • build up of fluid under the retina (chorioretinopathy)
  • dizziness
  • emotional disorder
  • excessive sweating
  • facial injury
  • fainting
  • feeling of intense happiness (euphoria)
  • flu like symptoms (influenza)
  • fracture of the calf bone (fibula fracture)
  • fracture of young and soft bone (greenstick fracture)
  • fungal infection due to a type of yeast (candidiasis)
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • heat exhaustion
  • hot flush
  • increase in heart rate (palpitations)
  • indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • inflammation of the tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon disorder)
  • inflammation of tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendonitis)
  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • lacrimation increased
  • low bone mineral density
  • lump on the neck (neck mass)
  • memory loss (amnesia)
  • menstrual irregularity
  • mental dependence (psychological dependence)
  • mood swings
  • muscle cramps
  • muscle pain
  • muscle spasms
  • muscle weakness (myopathy)
  • muscle weakness or tiredness after an operation
  • nausea
  • neck pain
  • negative nitrogen balance
  • nosebleed (epistaxis)
  • oral yeast infection (thrush)
  • pain in the limbs
  • pain in the testicles (testicular pain)
  • painful eyes
  • painful or difficult urination
  • presence of glucose in the urine
  • pus formation in the tooth (tooth abscess)
  • red sores on the face (impetigo)
  • redness of the skin (erythema)
  • reduced capacity for healing healing
  • runny nose (rhinorrhea)
  • rupture of tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon rupture)
  • skin eruptions resembling acne (dermatitis acneiform)
  • sore throat
  • spider veins (telangiectasia)
  • spine fracture (vertebral and long bone fractures)
  • stomach discomfort
  • stomach pain
  • stretch marks (skin striae)
  • stye (Hordeolum)
  • sudden need to urinate (hypertonic bladder)
  • swelling of the ankles, face, hands, feet, or lips
  • thinning of eye’s outermost layer (corneal or scleral thinning)
  • thinning of the skin (skin atrophy)
  • thirst
  • tiredness
  • tremor
  • vertigo
  • weakness
  • weight loss
The following severe side-effects may also occur when using Defnalone Tablet:
  • metabolism and nutrition disorders
    Symptoms: carbohydrate intolerance, sodium and water retention, negative protein and calcium balance, potassium loss hypokalemic alkalosis
    If this happens, the patient should contact the doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe more medicines to control blood sugar level in diabetic patients.
  • Symptoms: hallucination, depression, anxiety, confusion, delusion, periods of abnormally elevated mood (mania), suicidal thoughts worsening of a mental disorder (aggravation of schizophrenia)
    If these symptoms occur then contact your doctor immediately.
  • certain body infections
    Symptoms: increased susceptibility to infections, relapse of bacterial infection of the lungs (occurrence of dormant tuberculosis), urinary tract infection, viral infection worsening of fungal or viral diseases of eye (exacerbation of ophthalmic viral or fungal diseases)
    The patient should contact the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
  • allergic reactions
    Symptoms: swelling of the throat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, allergy, rash drug-induced severe allergic reaction
    The patient should contact the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
  • Symptoms: inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis) slow and ineffective breathing (hypoventilation)
    The patient should contact the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
  • hormonal disorders
    Symptoms: decreased production of hormones by adrenal gland (suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) absence of a menstrual period (amenorrhoea)
    If such symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately.
  • heart disorders
    Symptoms: heart failure irregular heart rate
    The patient should contact the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
  • eye disorders
    Symptoms: increased pressure in the eye causing blindness (glaucoma), blurred vision, increased pressure in the eye (increased intra-ocular pressure), cloudy area on the back surface of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts), clouding of the eye lens (cataract), optic disc swelling due to increased pressure inside the skull, eye disease causing detachment of the retina bulging eyes
    The patient should contact the doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.
  • stomach and intestinal disorders
    Symptoms: constipation, inflammation of the pancreas, bleeding (hemorrhage), stomach ulcer complication of stomach ulcer
    If this happens, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.
  • brain disorders
    Symptoms: worsening of seizures (aggravation of epilepsy), increased pressure inside the skull (pheochromocytoma) fits
    If this happens, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.
Your doctor has prescribed Defnalone Tablet because they judge that the benefit is greater than the risk posed by side-effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side-effects. This page does not list all possible side-effects of Defnalone Tablet.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Side-effects and Allergic Reactions of Defnalone by Severity and Frequency

Common Side-effects

Following are the common side-effects of this medicine:
  • cough
  • cushingoid appearance
  • hirsutism
  • increased appetite
  • increased weight
  • nasopharyngitis
  • pollakiuria
  • upper respiratory tract infection

Infrequent and Rare Side-effects

Following are the infrequent and rare side-effects of this medicine:

Severe Side-effects

Following are the severe side-effects of this medicine:

Side-effects in Older Adults

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in elderly patients:

Side-effects in Children

Following are the side-effects of this medicine in young patients:

Mild Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of mild allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • swelling of the ankles
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling of the feet
  • swelling of the hands
  • swelling of the lips
If these symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Following are the symptoms of serious allergic reactions to this medicine:
  • difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • drug-induced severe allergic reaction (Toxic epidermal necrolysis)
  • rash
  • swelling of throat
If these symptoms appear, contact the doctor immediately.
If you experience side-effects or notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice. You may also report side-effects to your local food and drug administration authority. You can look up the drug authority contact information from the Drug Authority Finder at TabletWise.com.

Warnings

Adrenal Insufficiency

Patients who suddenly stop the treatment with Defnalone after prolonged therapy are at an increased risk. Such patients may suffer from adrenal insufficiency and other fatal conditions. Patients should carry 'Steroid treatment' cards which provides them information regarding necessary precautions need to be taken to minimize risk and which provide the detailed information of prescriber, drug, dosage and the duration of treatment with Defnalone.

High Cortisol Levels (Cushing’s Syndrome)

Patients with prolonged treatment with corticosteroids including Defnalone are at an increased risk. Such patients may develop increased levels of cortisol hormone in the body. Patients taking Defnalone should be monitored for high cortisol levels after withdrawal of Defnalone.

High Blood Sugar Levels (Hyperglycemia)

Patients who are on long-term therapy to diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk while using this medicine. Use of corticosteroids including Defnalone may lead to increased blood glucose levels, worsening of the condition of the diabetes and may reduce the effect of anti-diabetic drugs. Proper monitoring of blood glucose levels is required at regular intervals. In patients with high blood glucose levels, an anti-diabetic treatment should be initiated or adjusted accordingly.

Altered Thyroid Function

Patients with altered functioning of the thyroid gland are at an increased risk. Patients with decreased thyroid function may have reduced body clearance of corticosteroids and enhanced clearance in patients with increased thyroid function. The use of corticosteroids with levothyroxine may cause an adrenal insufficiency. The dose of corticosteroids should be adjusted in patients with altered thyroid function. If the use of corticosteroids with levothyroxine is necessary, use corticosteroid before starting levothyroxine treatment to reduce the risk of adrenal insufficiency.

Unstable Condition of Cancer of Adrenal Gland

Patients taking corticosteroids are at increased risk. Patients using corticosteroids (Defnalone) may suffer from the critical situation of cancer of adrenal gland which may lead to a fatal condition. Examine the risk of manifestation of adrenal gland cancer before starting corticosteroid treatment in patients who have or are suspected of adrenal gland cancer.

Suppression of Immune System

The patients having an infection or with a history of infection are at an increased risk while using corticosteroids. Use of corticosteroids including Defnalone, may suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection with pathogenic agents including viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, or helminthic. Corticosteroids reduce the resistance to new infections, worsen the condition of existing infections and further mask some signs of infection. Carefully monitor for the development of infection and consider withdrawal of corticosteroids or reduce the dose of corticosteroids as needed.

Viral Infections

Patients with the weak immune system and those who are on corticosteroids therapy are at an increased risk. Such patients may suffer from the fatal conditions of viral infections (chicken pox and measles). Patients with a condition of chickenpox should be advised to avoid close personal contact with others. Passive immunization should be followed with varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG). If a diagnosis of chickenpox is confirmed, urgent treatment is required in such a case. Use of corticosteroids including Defnalone should not be discontinued, and the dose may need to be increased in such cases.

Altered Kidney or Heart Function

Defnalone can cause increased excretion of calcium and potassium, and an increase in blood pressure, water, and salt retention. Carefully monitor the potassium levels in the blood. Dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be necessary in this case. Take the precautions while using Defnalone in patients with heart failure, high blood pressure, and kidney insufficiency.

Ruptured Bowel

Patients with certain stomach and intestinal disorders such as stomach ulcers, and inflammation of the wall of the intestine (diverticulitis) are at an increased risk while using this medicine. There is an increased risk of ruptured bowel during corticosteroid use in patients with stomach or intestinal disorders such as stomach ulcers, and inflammation of the wall of the intestine (diverticulitis). Avoid use of corticosteroids including Defnalone if there is a possibility of severe condition of the stomach or intestinal disorders.

Bipolar Disorder

Use of corticosteroids, including Defnalone may lead to severe symptoms of psychiatric effects such as insomnia, intense feeling of excitement or pleasure and mood swings. Patients should immediately seek medical attention especially in severe cases of depression or suicidal ideation. To overcome these reactions, either reduce or withdraw the use of Defnalone.

Decreased Bone Mineral Density

Corticosteroids, including Defnalone, decrease the process of bone formation and increase bone resorption. Consider a patient’s risk of osteoporosis before starting treatment with Defnalone. Carefully monitor bone mineral density in patients who are on long-term therapy with Defnalone.

Effects on Eyes

Use of corticosteroids, including Defnalone, may lead to a cloudy appearance on the back surface of the lens. Defnalone may also cause the condition of increased intraocular pressure with possible damage to the optic nerves. Use of corticosteroids including Defnalone are not recommended for use in patients with active ocular herpes simplex viral infections. If treatment with Defnalone is continued for more than six weeks, carefully monitor the intraocular pressure.

Vaccination

Corticosteroids may increase organisms that present in live vaccines. Patients taking Defnalone may show less response to inactivated toxins and live or inactive vaccines because of blockage of antibody response. Patients using corticosteroids should not take live or inactive live vaccines. Inactive or killed vaccines may be used while on corticosteroid therapy.

Serious Condition of Skin Rashes

The use of Defnalone may cause a drug-induced severe allergic reaction which shows symptoms within 8 weeks of initiating the treatment. Stop the treatment if any sign of drug-related rash occurs.

Effects on Growth and Development

Long-term use of corticosteroids, including Defnalone, may lead to negative effects on growth and development in children.

Interactions with Defnalone

When two or more medicines are taken together, it can change how the medicines work and increase the risk of side-effects. In medical terms, this is called as a Drug Interaction.
This page does not contain all the possible interactions of Defnalone Tablet. Share a list of all medicines that you use with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicines without the approval of your doctor.

Anticoagulants

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with coumarin anticoagulants, which are used to prevent blood clotting. When Defnalone is used with coumarin anticoagulants, the efficacy of coumarin anticoagulants gets increased. The blood clotting time should be monitored in such patients to avoid uncontrolled bleeding.

Neuromuscular Blockers

Defnalone Tablet interacts with Neuromuscular blockers (pancuronium), which are used as a muscle relaxant. The use of Defnalone with neuromuscular blocking drugs may increase the level of creatinine kinase and the risk of developing muscle weakness.

CYP3A Inducers

There may be an interaction of Defnalone with Moderate or Strong CYP3A Inducers (rifampin, efavirenz, or carbamazepine), which are used to treat bacterial infections, HIV/AIDS, and seizures. When Defnalone is used with rifampin, the exposure to Defnalone metabolite gets decreased. It is advised that Defnalone should not be used in combination with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Defnalone Tablet may interact with Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (clarithromycin), which are used to treat bacterial infections. When clarithromycin is used with Defnalone, the exposure to Defnalone metabolite gets increased by three times. One-third dose of Defnalone is recommended in such patients.

Estrogens

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with estrogens, which are used as birth control pills. The use of Defnalone with birth control pills may increase the amount of Defnalone in the blood. There is less requirement of Defnalone in patients taking estrogens, and such patients should be closely monitored.

Anti-Hypertensives

Your doctor's guidelines may need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Anti-hypertensives, which are used to treat high blood pressure. When Defnalone is used with antihypertensives, it may oppose the action of antihypertensives.

Antacids

Defnalone Tablet interacts with Antacids, which are used to treat acidity and relieve heartburn, indigestion, and stomach upset. The combined use of Defnalone with antacids may reduce the amount of Defnalone in the blood. Defnalone should be taken after a gap of at least 2 hours with antacids.

Hypoglycemic Agents

Special instructions need to be followed while taking this medicine along with Hypoglycemic agents (insulin), which are used to treat high blood glucose levels. Use of corticosteroids with hypoglycemic agents (including insulin), may oppose the action of these agents.

Anti-Infective Therapy

There may be an interaction of Defnalone with Anti-infective therapy, which is used to treat infections. Defnalone may weaken the body immune response to the microorganisms. The efficacy of anti-infective therapy should be ensured, and such patients should be monitored closely.

Salicylates

Defnalone Tablet may interact with Salicylates, which are used to treat fever and pain. Corticosteroids can increase the clearance of salicylates from the kidney. The amount of salicylate may increase in the blood after withdrawal of steroids.

Anti-Ulcer Agents and Sulfonamides

Defnalone Tablet may interact with Anti-ulcer agents and Sulfonamides, which are used to treat ulcers and bacterial infections respectively. The blood potassium-lowering effects of acetazolamide and carbenoxolone get increased when used with Defnalone.

Interactions of Defnalone by Severity

Severe

The following medicines are usually not to be taken together without consulting with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious

The following medicines may interact when taken together and can cause harmful effects in the body. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medicines together.

When should Defnalone be not used?

Severe Allergy

Defnalone should not be used in patients who are allergic to it or any of its components. These patients may have the following symptoms if they use this medicine:
  • skin rash
  • swelling of the throat
  • difficulty in swallowing or breathing
  • drug-induced severe allergic reaction
  • swelling of the ankles
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling of the hands
  • swelling of the feet
  • swelling of the lips

Live Virus Immunisation

The use of this medicine is not recommended in patients who are receiving live virus immunization. The patient's immune response to other vaccines may get reduced with the use of Defnalone.

Infection in the Bloodstream (systemic infection)

Defnalone should not be used in patients with systemic infection.

Traveling With Medication

  • Ensure that you carry enough doses of each of your prescription medicines to last the entire trip. The best place to store your medicines is in the carry on baggage. However, while flying, if carrying liquid medicines, make sure you do not go over the limits imposed for carry-on liquids.
  • While traveling overseas, make sure that you can carry each of your prescription medicines legally to your destination country. One way to ensure this is by checking with your destination country's embassy or website.
  • Make sure that you carry each of your medicines in their original packaging, which should typically include your name and address, and the details of the prescribing doctor.
  • If your travel involves crossing time zones, and you are required to take your medicine as per a fixed schedule, make sure that you adjust for the change in time.

Expired Medication

Taking a single dose of expired Defnalone is unlikely to cause a side-effect. However, please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, if you feel unwell or sick. An expired medicine may become ineffective in treating your prescribed conditions. To be on the safe side, it is important not to use an expired drug. You are much safer by always keeping a fresh supply of unexpired medicines.

Safe Disposal of Medication

  • If there are disposal instructions on the package, please follow the instructions.
  • If there are medicine take-back programs in your country, you should contact the respective authority to arrange for the disposal of the medicine. For example, in the USA, the Drug Enforcement Administration regularly hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events.
  • If there are no take-back programs, mix the medicine with dirt and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Throw the plastic bag in your household trash. Separately, remove all personal information including the prescription label from the medicine packaging and then dispose off the container.
  • If specifically indicated on the medicine package that it needs to be flushed down the toilet when no longer needed, perform the required step.
This page provides information for Defnalone Tablet .
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