Emflaza (deflazacort) is a prescription drug used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The drug comes as an oral tablet and oral liquid suspension. It’s typically taken once per day.
Emflaza is used in adults and certain children to treat DMD. This is a genetic condition that primarily affects males and causes muscle weakness over time. (In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.)
The active ingredient in Emflaza is deflazacort. Emflaza belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.
This article describes the dosages of Emflaza, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Emflaza, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosages of Emflaza.
What are Emflaza’s forms?
Emflaza comes in two formulations: an oral tablet and an oral liquid suspension.
What strengths does Emflaza come in?
Emflaza oral tablets come in four strengths:
- 6 milligrams (mg)
- 18 mg
- 30 mg
- 36 mg
Emflaza oral liquid suspension is white or near-white in color and is available in one strength of 22.75 mg per milliliter (mL) of suspension. One bottle of Emflaza suspension contains 13 mL.
What are the usual dosages of Emflaza?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
The typical Emflaza dosage for adults with DMD is based on body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
The recommended dosage of Emflaza is 0.9 mg/kg of body weight, taken once per day.
Your doctor will calculate your dosage of Emflaza. If they prescribe the tablet form of Emflaza, they’ll round your dosage up to the closest possible dose. If they prescribe the liquid suspension, they’ll round up your dose to the nearest tenth of a milliliter.
| Body weight in kg | Body weight in lb | Emflaza dosage | Tablet dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 55 | 22.5 mg | four 6-mg tablets once per day |
| 45 | 100 | 40.9 mg | one 36-mg tablet and one 6-mg tablet once per day |
| 66 | 145 | 59.3 mg | two 30-mg tablets once per day |
If you need to stop taking Emflaza, your doctor will slowly lower your dose to help you avoid certain serious side effects. See this this article to learn more.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosage of Emflaza.
What’s the dosage of Emflaza for children?
Emflaza is used to help treat DMD in children ages 2 years and older. Your child’s doctor will calculate their dosage.
The dosage for children is the same as the dosage for adults. If your child is prescribed the liquid suspension, their doctor will round up their dose to the nearest tenth of a milliliter. (To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Emflaza?” section.)
For more information about Emflaza’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Emflaza
Emflaza comes in two different forms: a tablet and a liquid suspension, both of which you swallow. Your doctor will prescribe the form that’s best for your individual situation.
Do not stop taking Emflaza suddenly. If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will gradually lower your dose to help you avoid certain serious side effects.
You can take Emflaza with or without food. But do not take Emflaza with grapefruit juice. This increases your risk of side effects from the medication.
If you’re prescribed the oral tablet, you can swallow it whole or you can crush it and mix it with applesauce and take it right away.
If you’re taking the liquid suspension, shake the bottle well before taking your dose. Carefully measure each dose with the dispenser provided. If needed, Emflaza liquid suspension may be mixed with 3 to 4 ounces of milk or juice (just not grapefruit juice) and taken right away.
Emflaza oral suspension is good for 30 days after you open it. Throw away any unused medication after this time.
Tip: Mark the date you open the liquid suspension on the bottle, then set a reminder to discard any unused portion after 30 days.
Is Emflaza used long term?
Yes, Emflaza is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not take more Emflaza than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Emflaza
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Emflaza. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.