How to take deflazacort to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy? What should I pay attention to?

Deflazacort is the world's first corticosteroid drug approved to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It can improve muscle strength and slow down the progression of disability. The drug is a glucocorticoid and was launched in the United States in 2017. Today we will learn more about how to take it to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. What should I pay attention to?

The recommended dose of deflazacort is for adults and children 2 years of age and older: 0.9 mg/kg/day orally daily. The safety of this drug has not been established in children younger than 2 years of age. Patients should note that use of deflazacort is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to any of the inactive ingredients of deflazacort. Deflazacort was developed by Marathon Pharmaceuticals in the United States. It is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4). It is 40 times more effective than hydrocortisone and has no mutagenic effect. Currently, the drug is not available in China. Patients in need can contact Medical Companion Travel for details on purchasing the drug.

Deflazacort mainly has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and increased gluconeogenesis effects. So what should we pay attention to during treatment with deflazacort? All immunizations need to be carried out according to immunization guidelines before starting treatment with deflazacort, and attenuated or live vaccines should be administered at least 4-6 weeks before treatment; deflazacort should be used with caution during pregnancy, and a doctor should be consulted if it is available; the drug may inhibit growth in breast milk and dry out It may interfere with the production of endogenous corticosteroids or cause other adverse effects; deflazacort is contraindicated in systemic infectious diseases; deflazacort should be used with caution in patients with renal failure, hypertension, diverticulitis, recent gastrointestinal surgery, diabetes, osteoporosis, and myasthenia gravis.

Note: The above information comes from the Internet and is compiled and edited by Medical Companion Travel (please correct me if there are any errors or omissions). It is only to provide information on the latest drugs on the market in the world and help Chinese patients understand the latest international new drug trends. It is only for internal discussion among medical staff and does not serve as any basis for medication. For specific medication guidelines, please consult the attending physician.

Recommended related articles: