Deflazacort (Oral Route)

Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for unwanted effects.

This medicine should come with patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

You may swallow the tablet whole. You may also crush and mix it with applesauce. Take the mixture right away.

To use the oral liquid:

• Shake the bottle well before each use. Remove the cap by pushing down on the cap and turn it to the left (counter-clockwise).
• If you are using the medicine for the first time, place the ribbed end of the bottle adapter in the bottle top. Wrap both hands around the bottle. Press down on the bottle adapter with both thumbs. Firmly push the ribbed end of the bottle adapter into the neck of the bottle until the adapter top is even with the bottle top.
• Hold the syringe and push the plunger all the way down. Insert the syringe into the bottle adapter. Slowly turn the bottle upside down.
• Slowly pull back on the plunger until you reach the prescribed dose. If you see air bubbles, push in the plunger so the oral liquid flows back into the bottle. Then, pull back on the plunger again until you reach your prescribed dose.
• Keep the plunger in the same position, turn the bottle upright, and place it on a flat surface. Remove the oral syringe by gently twisting and pulling it straight up.
• Slowly push the plunger all the way down to add the oral liquid into a household cup filled with 3 to 4 ounces of juice or milk. Stir the mixture with a spoon. Drink the mixture right away.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (suspension and tablets):
  • For treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
    • Adults and children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 0.9 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day.
    • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away any unused oral liquid after 1 month of first opening the bottle.