Emflaza (Deflazacort)

Deflazacort tablets

What is this medicine?

Deflazacort a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Hypersensitivity to deflazacort;
• Alterations in Endocrine Function: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, and hyperglycemia;
• Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection: Increased risk of new, exacerbation, dissemination, or reactivation of latent infections, which can be severe and at times fatal;
• Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function: elevated blood pressure and sodium, and for decreased potassium level;
• Gastrointestinal Perforation: GI disorders;
• Behavioral and Mood Disturbances: euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychosis;
• Effects on Bones: decreases in bone mineral density;
• Serious Skin Rashes;
• Ophthalmic Effects: May include cataracts, infections, and glaucoma;
• Vaccination: Do not administer live or live attenuated vaccines to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids.

How should I use this medicine?

The recommended once-daily dosage is approximately 0.9 mg/kg/day administered orally. Discontinue gradually when administered for more than a few day..

What may interact with this medicine?

• Moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Give one third of the recommended dosage;
• Avoid use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers, as they may reduce efficacy.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

The most common adverse reactions are Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, and nasopharyngitis.