Deflazacort

Generic Name: deflazacort

Corticosteroid [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Deflazacort

11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in deflazacort tablets is deflazacort (a corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic. The molecular formula for deflazacort is C 25 H 31 NO 6 . The chemical name for deflazacort is (11β,16β)-21-(acetyloxy)-11-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione, and the structural formula is: Deflazacort is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder and has a molecular weight of 441.5.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in deflazacort tablets is deflazacort (a corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic. The molecular formula for deflazacort is C 25 H 31 NO 6 . The chemical name for deflazacort is (11β,16β)-21-(acetyloxy)-11-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione, and the structural formula is: Deflazacort is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder and has a molecular weight of 441.5.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Deflazacort tablets are indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older. Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza™ (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Deflazacort tablets are a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older ( 1 )

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended once-daily dosage is approximately 0.9 mg/kg/day administered orally ( 2.2 ) Discontinue gradually when administered for more than a few days ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Assessments Prior to First Dose of Deflazacort Tablets Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines prior to starting deflazacort tablets. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting deflazacort tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. 2.2 Dosing Information The recommended oral dosage of deflazacort tablets are approximately 0.9 mg/kg/day once daily. If tablets are used, round up to the nearest possible dose. Any combination of the four deflazacort tablets strengths can be used to achieve this dose.

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections: Alterations in Endocrine Function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Behavioral and Mood Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Effects on Bones [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Ophthalmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Serious Skin Rashes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Effects on Growth and Development [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Myopat...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Give one third of the recommended dosage of deflazacort ( 7.1 ) Avoid use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers with deflazacort, as they may reduce efficacy ( 7.1 ) Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza™ (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information . 7.1 CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors The active metabolite of deflazacort, 21-desDFZ, is a substrate of CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Co-administration of deflazacort with clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased total exposure to 21-desDFZ by about 3-fold.

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Alterations in Endocrine Function : Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia can occur; Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use of deflazacort ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) 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; Signs and symptoms of infection may be masked ( 5.2 ) Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function: Monitor for elevated blood pressure and sodium, and for decreased potassium levels ( 5.3 ) Gastrointestinal Perforation: Increased risk in patients with certain GI disorders; Signs and symptoms may be masked ( 5.4 ) Behavioral and Mood Disturbances: May include euphoria, in... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Deflazacort tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or to any of the inactive ingredients. Instances of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] .

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with deflazacort in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Corticosteroids, including deflazacort, readily cross the placenta.

Storage

16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deflazacort used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Deflazacort tablets are indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older. Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza™ (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Deflazacort tablets are a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older ( 1 )

What are the side effects of Deflazacort?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections: Alterations in Endocrine Function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Behavioral and Mood Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Effects on Bones [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Ophthalmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Serious Skin Rashes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Effects on Growth and Development [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Myopat...

Can I take Deflazacort during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with deflazacort in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Corticosteroids, including deflazacort, readily cross the placenta.

What are the important warnings for Deflazacort?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Alterations in Endocrine Function : Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia can occur; Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use of deflazacort ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) 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; Signs and symptoms of infection may be masked ( 5.2 ) Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function: Monitor for elevated blood pressure and sodium, and for decreased potassium levels ( 5.3 ) Gastrointestinal Perforation: Increased risk in patients with certain GI disorders; Signs and symptoms may be masked ( 5.4 ) Behavioral and Mood Disturbances: May include euphoria, in... 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Deflazacort tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or to any of the inactive ingredients. Instances of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] .

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.