How Assistance Works
Streamlining our patient’s specialty pharmacy experience with unmatched full-service convenience
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1. Check Your Coverage/Benefits Verification
Our team of expert billers finds the best avenues of coverage that minimize out-of-pocket costs.
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2. Transfer Prescription to AmeriPharma®
We process your prescription by working with your previous pharmacy or prescriber, making the transition quick and easy.
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3. Prior Authorization
Our team of specialists obtains approval from your insurance companies within 24 to 72 hours.
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4. Copay Assistance & Financial Aid
We secure financial aid and decrease copays, out-of-pocket expenses, and high deductibles. To date, AmeriPharma® Specialty Care has secured $55 million in financial assistance for our patients.
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5. Nursing Care Coordination If Needed
AmeriPharma® puts your schedule and home environment first when scheduling and coordinating one of our specialized nurses for your in-home infusions.
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6. Delivery Coordination
Medications are always delivered in strict compliance with the specific requirements for shipping. Next-day and overnight cold-chain deliveries are coordinated around your schedule.
What Is Deflazacort (Emflaza)?
Deflazacort is a corticosteroid medicine approved by the FDA to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older. The brand name for deflazacort is Emflaza. The FDA first approved it on February 9, 2017.
For many years, doctors have used corticosteroids such as prednisone to treat DMD. They can reduce inflammation and protect muscle tissue from damage. Deflazacort and prednisone are both commonly used corticosteroids for DMD. Studies suggest that deflazacort may preserve muscle function longer and cause less weight gain than prednisone in some patients. However, the choice of treatment depends on several factors, including side effects, cost, and your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
You can get deflazacort as oral tablets and oral suspension (liquid).
What Is Deflazacort For?
Deflazacort is FDA-approved for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD is an inherited genetic disease. It is caused by a mutation in a gene that produces a protein called dystrophin. Dystrophin keeps your muscle cells intact. Without enough dystrophin, your muscle fibers become damaged and gradually weaken. As a result, you struggle with day-to-day activities like walking and climbing stairs. Deflazacort (Emflaza) can:
- Slow muscle damage and weakness
- Help preserve muscle strength and physical function
- Delay the loss of walking ability and other physical functions
- Help preserve lung function over time
- May help preserve heart function as the disease progresses
- Reduce inflammation
Deflazacort cannot cure DMD, but it can help slow disease progression and improve long-term outcomes when started early and taken consistently.
How Deflazacort Copay Assistance Works
AmeriPharma® Specialty Pharmacy alleviates financial burdens for patients and their families
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Advanced software locates funding sources to match you with top-dollar foundation programs
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One of our copay assistance specialists will assist with the application process
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Automatic updates will be sent to you and your physician on the status of the funding
Dosing
Deflazacort is available as tablets and an oral suspension (liquid). You have to take it once daily, with or without food. The recommended dose of deflazacort is based primarily on body weight. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based on your response to treatment and other medical factors. Your doctor will determine the right dose for you. However, here is the usual recommended dosage of deflazacort:
For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: The recommended dosage is 0.9 mg/kg taken once daily.
If you are switching from another corticosteroid, your doctor will calculate an equivalent dose based on your previous steroid dose and treatment duration.
Do not stop taking deflazacort suddenly unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Stopping treatment abruptly may cause adrenal insufficiency, which can lead to severe weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and, in severe cases, a life-threatening adrenal crisis. If treatment needs to be discontinued, your healthcare provider will gradually reduce your dose.
Deflazacort Side Effects
Common side effects include:
- Increased weight
- Increased appetite
- Cough
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Unwanted hair growth
- Cushingoid appearance (round face)
- Frequent urination
- Irritability or mood changes
Serious side effects include:
Serious Infections: Deflazacort suppresses your immune system. Because of that, your risk of getting infections increases. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a high fever, chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, severe sore throat, painful urination, or other signs of infection.
Hormonal Problems: Long-term use of deflazacort can affect your body’s natural hormone production, causing adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, or high blood sugar. Do not stop deflazacort suddenly. This can cause life-threatening adrenal insufficiency. If the treatment needs to be stopped, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose.
High Blood Pressure and Fluid Retention: Deflazacort can increase your blood pressure, cause sodium and water retention, and lower potassium levels.
Gastrointestinal Perforation: In rare cases, deflazacort may cause a tear (perforation) in the stomach or intestines, especially in people with ulcers, diverticulitis, or recent intestinal surgery. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, fever, or bloody stools.
Bone Loss: Long-term use of deflazacort can increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures.
Growth Suppression: Long-term treatment with deflazacort may slow growth in children. Your healthcare provider will monitor your child’s height and weight regularly throughout treatment.
Eye Problems: Deflazacort may increase the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections.
Serious Skin or Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, Deflazacort can cause severe skin rashes or life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Symptoms include severe rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Please note that this is not a list of all possible side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you encounter any serious side effects.
Insurances Accepted
We accept Medicare, multi-state Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Blue Shield, and most private insurances. Call us to find out more about your coverage.
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