Overview
Jaythari is a corticosteroid medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in people 5 years of age and older. To be eligible for Jaythari, a person must have a confirmed diagnosis of DMD and be at least 5 years old. Jaythari is also known by its drug name, deflazacort.

Corticosteroids like Jaythari are believed to help manage DMD by reducing inflammation and suppressing immune responses that can damage muscle tissue. By doing so, Jaythari may help slow the progression of muscle weakness associated with DMD.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Jaythari is taken by mouth as a tablet once daily. The medication is given following a schedule based on the person’s weight and should be taken at the same time each day. If Jaythari is used for more than a few days, it should be discontinued gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. The drug should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Jaythari include Cushingoid appearance (rounding of the face and body), weight gain, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria (frequent urination), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), central obesity (fat accumulation around the trunk), and nasopharyngitis (common cold).

Rare but serious side effects may include suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (which can lead to hormone imbalances), Cushing’s syndrome (a hormonal disorder caused by high levels of corticosteroids), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), increased risk of infections (including new or reactivated infections that may be severe or fatal), elevated blood pressure, sodium retention, decreased potassium levels, gastrointestinal perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestines), behavioral and mood disturbances (such as euphoria, insomnia, severe depression, mood swings, personality changes, and psychosis), osteoporosis (decreased bone mineral density), eye problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma, and eye infections), and serious skin rashes. Signs and symptoms of infections or gastrointestinal issues may be masked while taking Jaythari.

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Label: Jaythari — Deflazacort Tablet — DailyMed