What is deflazacort used for?

Deflazacort is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in people 5 years of age and older.

Can I take deflazacort with grapefruit juice?

No, you should not take deflazacort with grapefruit juice as it can change how the medicine works.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?

If you overdose, seek immediate medical attention for treatment like gastric lavage. For long-term over-use, a doctor may adjust your schedule.

Is deflazacort safe for young children?

It is approved for children 5 years and older, but it is not approved for children under 2 years old due to benzyl alcohol.

Will deflazacort affect my mood?

Yes, deflazacort may cause mood or behavior changes, such as insomnia, mood swings, or severe depression.

How should I store the oral suspension?

Store it at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and discard any leftovers 1 month after opening.

Can I get vaccines while taking deflazacort?

You should get live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks before starting deflazacort; do not take live vaccines while on immunosuppressive doses.

What are the most common side effects of deflazacort?

Common side effects include weight gain, increased appetite, and a Cushingoid (rounded) appearance.

deflazacort | CAS 14484-47-0 | FBHSPRKOSMHSIF

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Corticosteroid (Anti-inflammatory)

DEFLAZACORT (brand name JAYTHARI) is a corticosteroid oral suspension used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older. It works by acting on glucocorticoid receptors to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

How it worksDEFLAZACORT is a prodrug that turns into an active form (21-desDFZ) in the body. This active form works through glucocorticoid receptors to provide anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing effects.

Brand names:EMFLAZA

Used for

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older

Conditions

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

Class

CorticosteroidGlucocorticoid receptor agonistCorticosteroid (Anti-inflammatory)Immune systemEndocrine systemMusculoskeletal system

How to take

FormsOral suspension

RoutesOral

The usual dose is about 0.9 mg per kg of body weight, taken once daily.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Use only the provided oral dispenser. You can take it with or without food, but do not take it with grapefruit juice. If you mix the dose with juice or milk, take it immediately. Discard any unused liquid 1 month after opening.

Missed dose: The text does not provide specific instructions for a missed dose, though it notes that dosage must be decreased gradually if stopped after long-term use.

Key warnings

·Chronic use can affect hormones, blood sugar, and bone density.
·Using this drug may increase the risk of serious infections.
·It may cause mood swings, depression, or personality changes.
·There is a risk of stomach-related issues like perforation.
·Do not use live vaccines while taking this medication.
·Infants under 2 years old should not use this due to the benzyl alcohol content.

Do not use if

·Do not use if you are allergic to deflazacort or any of its inactive ingredients.

Side effects

Common

Weight gainIncreased appetiteCushingoid appearance (physical changes like a rounded face)Upper respiratory tract infectionsCoughIncreased urinationExcessive hair growth (hirsutism)Central obesity

Serious

·Changes in hormone levels or blood sugar
·Increased risk of serious infections
·High blood pressure or sodium levels
·Stomach or intestinal issues like perforation
·Mood or behavior changes (including depression or psychosis)
·Bone density loss
·Eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma
·Skin rashes
·Growth and development issues in children
·Blood clots

Seek help if

·Serious skin rashes
·Signs of infection
·Mood or personality changes
·Signs of gastrointestinal perforation

Interactions

·Avoid using moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampin) because they may make the drug less effective.
·Use caution with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like clarithromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, or grapefruit juice); you may need to take a lower dose.
·Known interactions include ARISTOCTORT, DUREZOL, PEDIAPRED, SOLU-CORTEF, ALREX, CORTIFOAM, DESOWEN, DECADRON-LA, RAYOS, and METI-DERM.

FoodDo not take with grapefruit juice. Taking it with a high-fat meal may slow down how quickly it works.

AlcoholThe product contains benzyl alcohol; do not use in children under 2 years old.

Special populations

PregnancyCorticosteroids like deflazacort can pass through the placenta to the baby. Use during pregnancy should only happen if the benefits outweigh the risks. Some studies show risks like cleft lip or low birth weight. Babies born to mothers using high doses should be monitored for hormone issues.

PediatricSafe and effective for children 5 years and older with DMD. It is not approved for children under 2 years old because it contains benzyl alcohol.

GeriatricThere is no specific experience using deflazacort in elderly patients, as DMD primarily affects children and young adults.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood pressure
·Sodium levels
·Potassium levels
·Blood sugar
·Bone mineral density
·Intraocular pressure

Questions to ask

·How will this affect my hormone levels?
·What is the risk of infection while taking this?
·How often should my bone density be checked?
·Are there specific vaccines I should get before starting?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetMedian T max is about 1 hour after oral administration.

BioavailabilityThe bioavailability of tablets is similar to the oral suspension.

Protein bindingThe active metabolite has a protein binding of about 40%.

MetabolismDeflazacort is rapidly converted to its active metabolite, 21-desDFZ, by esterases.

Practical

OverdoseFor a single large dose, immediate medical help like stomach pumping or vomiting may be needed. For long-term excessive use, a doctor may temporarily reduce the dose or suggest taking it every other day.

StorageStore between 68°F and 77°F. Discard any unused liquid 1 month after opening.

DisposalNot specified.

Ingredients

Allergens

none

Inactive

benzyl alcoholcarboxymethylcellulose sodiumglacial acetic acidmagnesium aluminum silicatepolysorbate 80purified watersorbitol solution

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.