Deflazacort

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid used to manage Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Deflazacort is commonly used for:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): Helps slow the progression of muscle weakness in this inherited muscle-wasting disease, which is caused by the absence of a protein called dystrophin that is essential for muscle integrity.
• Asthma: Reduces airway inflammation in moderate-to-severe asthma when other treatments are insufficient.
• Arthritis: Manages inflammation, pain, and swelling in inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Severe allergic reactions: Used to control inflammation in severe allergic conditions that do not respond adequately to other treatments.
• Skin disorders: Treats inflammatory skin conditions where corticosteroid therapy is required.
• Kidney and blood disorders: Used in certain kidney conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome, and in some blood disorders involving abnormal immune activity.
• Eye conditions: Manages inflammatory eye conditions under specialist supervision.

• Cushingoid appearance
• Increased weight
• Increased appetite
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Cough
• Pollakiuria
• Hirsutism
• Central obesity
• Nasopharyngitis

Deflazacort is a corticosteroid prodrug, meaning it is converted in the body into its active form before it can take effect.

Once absorbed, Deflazacort is converted into an active metabolite called 21-desDFZ. This active form binds to glucocorticoid receptors found inside cells throughout the body, particularly in immune cells and tissues prone to inflammation.

By activating these receptors, Deflazacort:

• Reduces inflammation: It suppresses the production and release of inflammatory chemicals, including cytokines and prostaglandins, which reduces swelling, redness, and tissue damage at sites of inflammation.
• Suppresses immune activity: It dampens an overactive immune response, which is useful in autoimmune and allergic conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
• Supports muscle function in DMD: In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Deflazacort's anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects help slow the rate of muscle deterioration, helping preserve muscle strength and function for longer.

Because it works throughout the body (systemically), Deflazacort is effective across the wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions for which it is prescribed.