Product Details
DEFLAZACORT 6 MG
Introduction : Deflazacort 6mg tablet is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a rare, inherited muscle disease that occurs usually in children and young adults and is caused by an absence of a protein called dystrophin, which helps keep muscle cells intact. Deflazacort is corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).
This medicine is available only with your doctors prescription.
Indication : Deflazacort 6mg tablet is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation (swelling) and by changing the way the immune system works.
Administration : This medicine should come with patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
You may swallow the tablet whole. You may also crush and mix it with applesauce. Take the mixture right away.
Storage : Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Mechanism of Action : Deflazacort is a prodrug of the corticosteroid active metabolite 21-desDFZ, which has antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects via action on the glucocorticoid receptor. However, the precise mechanism by which deflazacort exerts therapeutic effects in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are unknown
Therapeutic : Endocrine-Metabolic Agent
Side Effects : Side effects may include Cushingoid appearance, weight gain, increased appetite, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, water retention, and hypertension
Contraindications : Avoid use of this drug during pregnancy and prescribe an alternative. Evidence has demonstrated fetal abnormalities or risks when used during pregnancy.
Evidence and/or expert consensus has demonstrated harmful infant effects when used during breastfeeding.
Safety Advice / Warnings : While you are being treated with deflazacort, do not have any live or live-attenuated immunizations (vaccines) at least 4 to 6 weeks before starting this medicine without your doctors approval. Deflazacort may lower your bodys resistance and the vaccine may not work as well or you might get the infection the vaccine is meant to prevent.
If you use this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop using it without checking first with your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.
References : Product Information: EMFLAZA(TM) oral tablets, suspension, deflazacort oral tablets, suspension. Marathon Pharmaceuticals LLC (per FDA), Northbrook, IL, 2017.
US Food & Drug Administration (FDA): Orphan Drug Designation Database. US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Silver Spring, MD. 2022.