Deflazacort

The Basics

What is Deflazacort?

Used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Brand names for Deflazacort

Emflaza

How Deflazacort is classified

Corticosteroids – Systemic, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Deflazacort During Pregnancy

Deflazacort pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Deflazacort while pregnant

Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with EMFLAZA in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Corticosteroids, including EMFLAZA, readily cross the placenta. Adverse developmental outcomes, including orofacial clefts (cleft lip, with or without cleft palate) and intrauterine growth restriction, and decreased birth weight, have been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids, including EMFLAZA, during pregnancy. Some epidemiologic studies report an increased risk of orofacial clefts from about 1 per 1000 infants to 3 to 5 per 1000 infants; however, a risk for orofacial clefts has not been observed in all studies. Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight appear to be dose-related; however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with deflazacort. Animal reproduction studies conducted with other corticosteroids in pregnant mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits using clinically relevant doses have shown an increased incidence of cleft palate. An increase in embryofetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, and constriction of the ductus arteriosus were observed in some animal species.

Taking Deflazacort While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Deflazacort?

Because no information is available on the use of deflazacort during breastfeeding, an alternate corticosteroid may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Because no information is available on the use of deflazacort during breastfeeding, an alternate corticosteroid may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Possible effects of Deflazacort on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Deflazacort

Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone, Prednisone.