Deflazacort: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

FDA-Approved Indication: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Deflazacort is FDA-approved (established indication) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older. Deflazacort is used to help slow the decline in muscle strength associated with this genetic muscle-wasting disease.

Broader Anti-Inflammatory and Immunosuppressive Uses (Guideline-Supported/Off-Label Outside the US)

Outside the United States - including in Bangladesh, where Deflazacort is widely prescribed - Deflazacort is also used as a general corticosteroid for a broad range of inflammatory, allergic, and autoimmune conditions. These uses are guideline-supported or established in regional clinical practice but are not part of the US FDA-approved label for Deflazacort:

• Allergic/hypersensitivity conditions: anaphylaxis (adjunct), severe hypersensitivity reactions, acute and chronic bronchial asthma exacerbations
• Rheumatologic/connective tissue disorders: rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic (idiopathic) arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, polyarteritis nodosa, sarcoidosis
• Dermatologic conditions: pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, pyoderma gangrenosum
• Renal disorders: minimal change nephrotic syndrome, acute interstitial nephritis
• Cardiac: rheumatic carditis
• Gastrointestinal: ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease (adjunct)
• Ophthalmic: uveitis, optic neuritis
• Hematologic: autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
• Oncologic (adjunct): acute lymphoblastic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, multiple myeloma, as part of combination chemotherapy regimens
• Transplantation: immunosuppression to prevent/treat organ transplant rejection

Dosing and duration for each condition should be individualized by a qualified physician.

The dose and duration of Deflazacort must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on the specific condition being treated, patient age, body weight, and response to therapy - there is no single dose of Deflazacort that applies to all patients. For most conditions, Deflazacort is taken once daily by mouth. If Deflazacort has been taken for more than a few days, the dose of Deflazacort must be reduced gradually (tapered) under medical supervision rather than stopped abruptly, because sudden discontinuation of Deflazacort can cause life-threatening adrenal insufficiency.

Common Side Effects

• Cushingoid appearance (rounded face, fat redistribution)
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Hirsutism (excess hair growth)
• Upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, cough
• Irritability and behavioral changes
• Abdominal discomfort, nausea, constipation
• Frequent urination (pollakiuria)
• Skin changes: acne, erythema, striae, skin thinning
• Headache, back pain

Serious Side Effects - Seek Medical Attention

• Signs of adrenal insufficiency (severe fatigue, weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, vomiting) - especially if Deflazacort is stopped abruptly
• Signs of infection (fever, sore throat, unusual fatigue) that may be masked by Deflazacort
• Severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, vomiting blood (possible GI ulcer/perforation)
• Vision changes, eye pain (possible cataracts, glaucoma, or increased intraocular pressure)
• Severe mood changes, depression, confusion, or psychosis
• Signs of blood clots (leg swelling/pain, chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Bone pain or fractures (possible osteoporosis or avascular necrosis)
• Severe skin reaction (blistering, peeling skin, rash with fever) - possible toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Muscle weakness, especially affecting breathing muscles
• Signs of heart failure (swelling, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain)
• Symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination, confusion)