Section 16 · Monograph
Deflazacort
Reviewed Nov 2026FDA label
EmflazaCorticosteroid
- Forms
- Tab: 6, 18, 30, 36mg | Susp: 22.75mg/mL
- Dose
- About 0.9mg/kg once daily (DMD, age 2+); reduce dose with moderate/strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
- MOA
- Anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive
Indications
- Treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and olderFDA-labeled
Mechanism of Action
- Glucocorticoid prodrug (active metabolite 21-desDFZ) with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects; exact mechanism in DMD is unknown
Full Dosing
Adult / usual
- About 0.9mg/kg once daily (tablets: round up to the nearest achievable dose; oral suspension 22.75mg/mL)
- With moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, give one-third of the usual dose; avoid strong CYP3A4 inducers
- Taper gradually when discontinuing after more than a few days
- Administer live vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before starting
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or its excipients
Drug Interactions
- Grapefruit juice should be avoided
- Moderate/strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers require dose changes or avoidance
- May prolong the effect of neuromuscular blockers
Adverse Effects
- Weight gain, cushingoid features, increased appetite
- Cataracts, growth retardation
- Behavioral changes
- Adrenal suppression
- Infections
- Hyperglycemia, bone loss and fractures
Monitoring Parameters
- Growth, blood pressure, glucose, ophthalmic exam for cataracts, bone health
- Signs of infection
- Vaccination status
Pregnancy & Lactation
- Limited data; weigh risks and benefits
- Unknown whether present in milk