What is Emflaza? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Emflaza

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused oral suspension after 1 month of first opening the bottle.

• Suspension: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may add the oral liquid into 3 or 4 ounces of juice or milk and mix well.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Tablet: Swallow the tablet whole. You may also crush and mix it with applesauce. Take the mixture right away.

What to do if you miss a dose of Emflaza

Emflaza contraindications - Who shouldn't take Emflaza?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to deflazacort, or if you have a fungal infection.

Emflaza warnings

• This medicine may cause you to get infections more easily. Tell your doctor if you have any type of infection (including amebiasis, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, herpes infection in the eyes, recent exposure to measles or chickenpox) before you start treatment. Avoid people who are sick or have infections.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, blood clotting problems, congestive heart failure, adrenal gland problems, pituitary gland problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression or mental health problems, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis), myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), thyroid problems, or a recent heart attack.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Adrenal gland problems, which may be life-threateningHigh blood sugar levelsHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of stomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole)Unusual mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicideBone problems (including loss of bone density, loss of blood supply to the bone)Cataracts or glaucomaSerious skin reactionsSlow growth in childrenIncreased risk for cancer (including Kaposi€™s sarcoma)Increased risk of blood clots

Emflaza interactions & what to avoid when taking Emflaza

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

• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should receive live or live-attenuated vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks before starting this medicine.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how deflazacort works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, diltiazem, efavirenz, fluconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, verapamilInsulin or diabetes medicineMuscle relaxer (including pancuronium)