Calcort is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient deflazacort, a type of corticosteroid. This medication is indicated to treat inflammatory conditions such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and severe allergic reactions. Though this medication is not marketed in the United States, a similar corticosteroid medication, called prednisone, is available. Patients should discuss the potential side effects of Calcort with a medical professional before beginning treatment with this steroid medication.
Upset Stomach or Weight Gain
Calcort may cause upset stomach and nausea. This medication may also induce an increase in appetite and water retention, which may lead to unintended weight gain in treated patients. Eating a small snack or meal before taking a dose of Calcort may help diminish or prevent nausea side effects in patients, according to the BC Children's Hospital.
Muscle or Bone Weakness
Corticosteroids such as Calcort may cause muscle or bone degradation. Consequently, patients using this medication may experience unusual sensations of weakness, NetDoctor warns. Additionally, bone degradation may lead to a bone disease called osteoporosis, which may increase a patient's risk of sustaining a bone fracture.
Mood Changes
Unusual mood-related changes may occur in patients treated with Calcort, such as confusion, depression, hyperactivity or irritability, the BC Children's Hospital reports. Patients who experience these mood changes may also develop problems in their personal or professional relationships.
Increased Hair Growth
Increased hair growth, also called hirsutism, may affect patients taking Calcort, NetDoctor warns. Excessive hair growth across the face or body may be more noticeable in female patients. This side effect may be embarrassing, but typically it subsides once treatment with Calcort ends.
Acne, Stretch Marks or Bruising
Abnormal skin changes may occur during treatment with Calcort. Patients may develop small, red, pus-filled skin lesions, called acne, on the face or body. Patients may also develop discolored stretch marks across the stomach, thighs or breasts, or they may notice their skin bruises easily after minor injuries.
Cushing's Syndrome
Prolonged exposure to this corticosteroid may cause Cushing's syndrome in certain patients. Symptoms of this syndrome include a puffy or round face, fatigue, weakness, skin problems, mood changes, increased thirst and high blood pressure, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Patients who develop these side effects while taking Calcort should consult a medical professional.
Growth Delays
Children treated with Calcort may experience growth delays, BC Children's Hospital warns. Affected children may be shorter or weigh less than healthy children in their age group. A doctor should continually monitor children receiving treatment with this medication to ensure growth milestones are met.
Recurrent Infections
Corticosteroids suppress the normal function of the immune system, which can increase a patient's risk of developing recurrent infections. The body may take longer to heal following injury or infection during Calcort treatment.
Menstrual Cycle Changes
Women who take Calcort may develop menstrual cycle changes as a side effect of treatment. Patient UK reports a woman's menstrual cycle may be irregular, or she may not experience a menstrual cycle at all. Women who are sexually active and have absent or irregular menstrual periods should consult a doctor. The lack of a menstrual cycle may be indicative of other medical issues, such as pregnancy.
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