Deflazacort: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear deflazacort, a synthetic corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses. Also known as Emflaza, it's one of the few steroids approved specifically for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness in children and teens. Unlike prednisone, which is more common, deflazacort offers a different balance of benefits and risks—especially when it comes to weight gain and bone health.

Deflazacort works by blocking the body’s inflammatory signals at the cellular level. It’s not a cure, but it helps slow muscle deterioration, giving patients more time to maintain mobility and independence. Many families compare it to other corticosteroids, powerful drugs that mimic cortisol, the body’s natural stress hormone like prednisone or methylprednisolone. Studies show deflazacort may cause less weight gain and fewer behavioral changes, but it can raise blood sugar and increase the risk of cataracts over time. That’s why doctors monitor patients closely—checking eye health, bone density, and glucose levels regularly.

People using deflazacort often need to combine it with other strategies: physical therapy, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and sometimes medications to protect the stomach or bones. It’s not something you take for a few days—you’re looking at months or years of use, which means side effects add up. That’s why knowing how to manage them matters just as much as knowing how to take the pill. You’ll find posts here that compare deflazacort to other treatments, break down real-world dosing experiences, and explain how to spot early signs of complications like osteoporosis or high blood pressure. Whether you’re a caregiver, a patient, or just trying to understand what this drug does, the articles below give you clear, no-fluff answers based on real use cases and clinical data.