Deflazacort oral suspension

What is this medicine?

Deflazacort (de FLAZ a kort) is a corticosteroid. This medicine is used for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is not a cure.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the oral dispenser provided with the medicine. Shake well before using. Mix this medicine in 3 to 4 ounces of juice or milk. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in emotions or moods

• changes in vision

• eye pain

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger or thirst; increased urination

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• slow growth in children (if used for longer periods of time)

• swelling of ankles, feet

• trouble sleeping

• weak bones (if used for longer periods of time)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased hunger

• nausea

• upset stomach

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• carbamazepine

• efavirenz

• phenytoin

• rifampin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clarithromycin

• diltiazem

• fluconazole

• grapefruit juice

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• vaccines

• verapamil

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine 30 days after opening or after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Cushing's syndrome

• diabetes

• glaucoma

• heart problems or disease

• high blood pressure

• infection such as herpes, measles, or chickenpox

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• mental problems

• myasthenia gravis

• osteoporosis

• seizures

• stomach ulcer or intestine disease including colitis and diverticulitis

• thyroid problem

• an unusual or allergic reaction to deflazacort, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.