Differences in corticosteroids
Living with DMD, your son has unique functional and emotional needs; both are meaningful considerations when choosing a corticosteroid.
Caring for dmd
Your son's healthcare provider may turn to corticosteroids soon after DMD diagnosis; however, the corticosteroid your son starts on may not always be the best to stay on.
Your son's healthcare provider may need to increase the dosage as your child grows.
If your child is in one of the early stages shown below and you're not sure if they are receiving all they should from their current treatment, talk to your son's healthcare provider.
Early ambulatory
- Childhood
- Moving slower or with difficulty, frequent falls, muscle weakness, enlarged calves
- It's important to track developmental milestones and health status
Late ambulatory
- Late childhood/adolescent/young adult
- Difficulty walking, may walk off-balance, weakened hands
- A scooter or wheelchair may help decrease fatigue
Early non-ambulatory
- Adolescent/young adult
- Unable to walk, scoliosis (curved spine), muscle pain, weakness in arms
- This may be the time to track respiratory function twice a year
Continuing corticosteroids throughout all stages of DMD can help him stay involved with friends and family for longer.
Considerations for switching corticosteroids
If your son is currently on corticosteroids, tracking his physical and emotional development can help with future treatment decisions. As his symptoms change over time, asking yourself these questions may be helpful:
Has there been a shift in his muscle strength or function?
Do the gains feel excessive?
Has his disease progressed?
Are activities taking longer than before (eg, walking, standing, etc.)?
Has his emotional state shifted?
Is he maintaining his quality of life?
Real-world story
Hear from a family as they discuss their experience with making treatment decisions.
Why choose deflazacort?