Transcript

This video is based on the personal experience of families with boys taking emflaza^® (deflazacort). Please speak to a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.

Here & Now With the Losapios: A DMD Story

DMD=Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Mike: I'm Mike LoSapio and I have two awesome little guys that have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mikey, he's nine and Reid, he's seven. Mikey and Reid are absolutely two peas in a pod but just two different peas within that pod. One of the mantras that I have kind of developed for life is to have a grateful attitude.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS DID YOU CONSIDER WITH YOUR DOCTORS?

Mike: While discussing different options with our neurologist, EMFLAZA came up. That was, at the time, the only approved drug for Duchenne and that was something that I really wanted to get Michael on immediately. With Reid, we looked into starting treatment for EMFLAZA shortly after. I saw really great results with Michael on EMFLAZA and I really wanted to kind of keep Reid on that same course.

Individual results vary. This is the experience of one patient.

WHAT WAS THE PROCESS AS YOU WERE GETTING STARTED?

Mike: I contacted the insurance company after our first denial and said I don't want my son taking an off-label drug. I want the one that is on-label for Duchenne, followed up by our doctor writing a letter and it only took one denial and it got approved after that.

WHERE DO YOU SEEK SUPPORT WHILE MAKING TREATMENT DECISIONS?

Mike: Seeking support for treatment decisions, talking to our neurologist is a big thing. They're our regular doctor, but also the Duchenne community is really strong. PTC has been an amazing asset as well, with their PTC Cares™ and helping out as much as possible.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE HERE & NOW

Mike: Having that spirit of gratitude has really helped me to kind of harness in just those little things. A funny joke by Reid, a little smile by Michael, and it just makes the world to me.

ACTING LIKE A FAMILY BECAUSE THEY CAN

ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF EMFLAZA CAN HELP

INDICATION & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR EMFLAZA® (deflazacort)

What is EMFLAZA® (deflazacort) used for?

EMFLAZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older.

When should I not take EMFLAZA?

Do not use if you have had hypersensitivity, including allergic reactions, to deflazacort or any of the inactive ingredients.

What warnings should I know about EMFLAZA?

EMFLAZA can cause changes in endocrine function. Do not stop taking EMFLAZA, or change the amount you are taking, without first checking with your healthcare provider, as there may be a need for gradual dose reduction to decrease the risk of adrenal insufficiency and steroid “withdrawal syndrome”. Acute adrenal insufficiency can occur if corticosteroids are withdrawn abruptly, and can be fatal. A steroid “withdrawal syndrome,” seemingly unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency, may also occur following abrupt discontinuance of corticosteroids. For patients already taking corticosteroids during times of stress, the dosage may need to be increased.

There is an increased risk of infection when taking EMFLAZA. Tell the healthcare provider if the patient has had recent or ongoing infections or if they have recently received a vaccine. Medical advice should be sought immediately if the patient develops fever or other signs of infection. Patients and/or caregivers should be made aware that some infections can potentially be severe and fatal. Warn patients who are on corticosteroids to avoid exposure to chickenpox or measles and to alert their healthcare provider immediately if they are exposed.

EMFLAZA can cause an increase in blood pressure and water retention. If this occurs, dietary salt restriction and potassium supplementation may be needed.

There is an increased risk of developing a hole in the stomach or intestines in patients with certain stomach or intestine disorders when taking corticosteroids like EMFLAZA.

EMFLAZA can cause severe behavioral and mood changes. Seek medical attention from the health care provider if any behavioral or mood changes develop.

There is a risk of osteoporosis with prolonged use of EMFLAZA, which can lead to vertebral and long bone fractures.

EMFLAZA may cause cataracts or glaucoma and a health care provider should monitor for these conditions if corticosteroid therapy is continued for more than 6 weeks.

Immunizations should be up-to-date according to immunization guidelines prior to starting therapy with EMFLAZA. Live-attenuated or live vaccines should be administered at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting EMFLAZA. Live-attenuated or live vaccines should not be used in patients taking EMFLAZA.

EMFLAZA can cause serious skin rashes. Seek medical attention at the first sign of a rash.

Rare instances of anaphylaxis have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy, including EMFLAZA.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell the health care provider about all medical conditions, including if the patient:

is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. EMFLAZA® (deflazacort) can harm your unborn baby.

is breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. EMFLAZA may appear in breastmilk and could affect a nursing child.

Certain medications can cause an interaction with EMFLAZA. Tell your healthcare provider of all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines (such as insulin, aspirin or other NSAIDS), dietary supplements, and herbal products. Alternate treatment, dosage adjustment, and/or special test(s) may be needed during the treatment.

What are the side effects of EMFLAZA?

The most common side effects of EMFLAZA include facial puffiness or Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, frequent daytime urination, unwanted hair growth, central obesity, and colds. These are not all of the possible side effects of EMFLAZA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.