April 2023 — Practical Medication Guides: Deflazacort, Irbesartan Cough & Azelastine

In April 2023 we focused on three common problems people face when taking medicines: steroid effects on blood sugar, a stubborn dry cough from blood pressure medicine, and managing pet allergies with azelastine. Each short guide gives practical steps you can use right away, plus safety points to discuss with your doctor.

What to watch: Deflazacort and blood sugar

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid that can raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes or are at risk, check fasting and post-meal glucose more often when you start or change the dose. Keep a simple log—time, reading, and any symptoms like unusual thirst or tiredness—and share it with your clinician.

Small changes matter: eating consistent carbs, staying active, and adjusting mealtime insulin or oral meds with medical help can prevent big spikes. Don’t stop steroids suddenly; that can be dangerous. If you notice a clear upward trend in blood sugar, call your provider—sometimes a dose change or temporary additional glucose control is needed.

Quick fixes: Coping with irbesartan cough and using azelastine for pet allergies

A dry cough from irbesartan can be annoying but manageable. Try these simple steps: stay hydrated, use a humidifier at night, and keep throat lozenges handy. If the cough wakes you or affects daily life, talk to your doctor about switching to a different blood pressure class—many people do well on alternatives without the cough.

Azelastine can be a solid choice for pet allergy relief. It works fast as a nasal spray and calms sneezing and itching. Use it as directed—usually one spray per nostril—and expect relief within minutes to hours. Watch for mild side effects like a bitter taste or slight drowsiness. If symptoms persist despite azelastine, consider adding a nasal steroid or allergy testing so you can create a plan that lets you keep your pet without constant symptoms.

Across these posts the common theme is simple: monitor, document, and communicate. Track symptoms and side effects, bring a short log to appointments, and ask targeted questions like “Could this medication cause my high sugars/cough?” or “Is azelastine right for my allergy pattern?” That makes conversations with your clinician faster and more useful.

If you missed the full articles from April 2023, they cover step-by-step tips, safety warnings, and what to tell your doctor. Use the advice here to take immediate action and follow up with your healthcare team for personalized care.

Deflazacort and Diabetes: What Patients Need to Know
How to Cope with Dry Cough Caused by Irbesartan
A guide to azelastine for pet allergy sufferers