How effective is deflazacort treatment? What are the side effects?

Deflazacort, a glucocorticoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, does not cure muscular dystrophy, but it can improve muscle strength and slow down the progression of disability. It can be used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in adults and children at least 2 years old. Today let’s take a closer look at the effectiveness of deflazacort treatment? What are the side effects?

The trial, which examined the effectiveness of deflazacort in 196 male patients aged 5 to 15 years at the start of the trial, showed that at 12 weeks, patients treated with deflazacort showed clinically assessed improvements in strength in many muscles throughout the body. At the end of the 52-week trial, the average muscle strength of deflazacort-treated patients remained generally stable, with a more significant effect than placebo. In another 104-week trial involving 29 male patients, patients treated with deflazacort had a quantitative advantage in average muscle strength evaluation indicators. Deflazacort was granted fast track status and priority review status by the US FDA, and also received orphan drug designation.

Although deflazacort has significant therapeutic effects, it is prohibited to be used by patients who are allergic to any of the active ingredients of the drug. Weight gain, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, frequent urination, etc. are the main side effects of the drug. Some uncommon side effects of the drug include runny or stuffy nose, irritability, abdominal discomfort, excess hair growth, central obesity, eye diseases, etc. Patients should pay attention to their own reactions during medication. If the adverse reactions are severe and intolerable, contact the doctor promptly and adopt a new treatment plan.

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.

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