Dynacort 18mg is a prescription-only corticosteroid used to manage severe inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions. You can safely upload your prescription online here:
What is Dynacort 18mg?
Dynacort 18mg tablets contain deflazacort, a potent synthetic corticosteroid (steroid medication). It works by suppressing your body's immune response and reducing swelling, pain, and redness associated with systemic inflammation.
Deflazacort is often selected by doctors because it provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits with a slightly lower impact on bone density and blood sugar regulation compared to some older steroids. The 18mg strength is commonly used as an intermediate dose when a doctor is progressively raising or tapering down your medication.
Key Uses
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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): It helps maintain muscle strength and slows the progression of physical disability in adults and children aged 2 and older.
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Severe Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders: Prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain kidney conditions such as nephrotic syndrome.
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Respiratory Conditions: Used to manage severe asthma and complex allergic reactions.
How to Take It
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Follow Your Prescription: Take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not alter your dose independently.
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Timing: It is typically taken once daily in the morning with or after a meal.
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Do Not Crush: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
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Crucial Safety Rule: Never stop taking this medication abruptly if you have used it for more than a few weeks. Your body reduces its own natural cortisol production while on steroids. Stopping suddenly can cause severe medical complications. Your doctor will provide a strict tapering schedule to safely lower your dose.
Side Effects & Precautions
While highly effective, long-term steroid use carries risks that require careful medical monitoring:
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Common Side Effects: Increased appetite, weight gain, fluid retention ("moon face"), mild sleep disturbances, and a higher risk of minor infections.
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Medical Risks: Extended use can raise blood pressure, elevate blood sugar levels, thin the skin, and weaken bone density.
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Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor immediately if you have a history of diabetes, stomach ulcers, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or tuberculosis. Steroids can also trigger changes in mood or mental health.
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Immune Warning: Because this medication dampens your immune system, avoid close contact with anyone who has chickenpox or measles if you are not fully immune, and seek immediate medical advice before receiving any live vaccines.
