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KYMBEE
Deflazacort · Tablet
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 215 members |
| Corticosteroid [EPC] | EPC | All 215 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 216720-001 | DEFLAZACORT | TABLET | DEFLAZACORT | Prescription | AB | ||
| 216720-002 | DEFLAZACORT | TABLET | DEFLAZACORT | Prescription | AB | ||
| 216720-003 | DEFLAZACORT | TABLET | DEFLAZACORT | Prescription | AB | ||
| 216720-004 | DEFLAZACORT | TABLET | DEFLAZACORT | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | November 21, 2025 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | November 5, 2024 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250717). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingWarnings and Precautions Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection (5.2) 6/2024
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE KYMBEE is indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older. Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza ® (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. KYMBEE is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 5 years of age and older ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended once-daily dosage is approximately 0.9 mg/kg/day administered orally ( 2.2 ) Discontinue gradually when administered for more than a few days ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Assessments Prior to First Dose of KYMBEE Administer all immunizations according to immunization guidelines prior to starting KYMBEE. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting KYMBEE [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] . 2.2 Dosing Information The recommended oral dosage of KYMBEE is approximately 0.9 mg/kg/day once daily. If tablets are used, round up to the nearest possible dose. Any combination of the four KYMBEE tablet strengths can be used to achieve this dose. 2.3 Discontinuation Dosage of KYMBEE must be decreased gradually if the drug has been administered for more than a few days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.4 Important Preparation and Administration Instructions KYMBEE can be taken with or without food. Do not administer KYMBEE with grapefruit juice [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . KYMBEE tablets can be administered whole or crushed and taken immediately after mixing with applesauce. 2.5 Dosage Modification for Use with CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers CYP3A4 Inhibitors Give one third of the recommended dosage when KYMBEE is administered with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. For example, a 36 mg per day dose would be reduced to a 12 mg per day dose when used with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . CYP3A4 Inducers Avoid use with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers with KYMBEE [see Drug Interactions (7.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 6 mg: White and round tablet with "U6" debossed on one side 18 mg: White and round tablet with "U18" debossed on one side 30 mg: White and oval tablet with "U30" debossed on one side 36 mg: White and oval tablet with "U36" debossed on one side Tablets: 6 mg, 18 mg, 30 mg, and 36 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS KYMBEE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to deflazacort or to any of the inactive ingredients. Instances of hypersensitivity, including anaphylaxis, have occurred in patients receiving corticosteroid therapy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Hypersensitivity to deflazacort or any of the inactive ingredients in KYMBEE ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Alterations in Endocrine Function: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and hyperglycemia can occur; Monitor patients for these conditions with chronic use of KYMBEE ( 2.3 , 5.1 ) Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection: Increased risk of new, exacerbation, dissemination, or reactivation of latent infections, which can be severe and at times fatal; Signs and symptoms of infection may be masked ( 5.2 ) Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function: Monitor for elevated blood pressure and sodium, and for decreased potassium levels ( 5.3 ) Gastrointestinal Perforation: Increased risk in patients with certain GI disorders; Signs and symptoms may be masked ( 5.4 ) Behavioral and Mood Disturbances: May include euphoria, insomnia, mood swings, personality changes, severe depression, and psychosis ( 5.5 ) Effects on Bones: Monitor for decreases in bone mineral density with chronic use of KYMBEE ( 5.6 ) Ophthalmic Effects: May include cataracts, infections, and glaucoma; Monitor intraocular pressure if KYMBEE is continued for more than 6 weeks ( 5.7 ) Vaccination: Do not administer live or live attenuated vaccines to patients receiving immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Administer live-attenuated or live vaccines at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to starting KYMBEE ( 5.8 ) Serious Skin Rashes: Discontinue at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug related ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Alterations in Endocrine Function Corticosteroids, such as KYMBEE, can cause serious and life-threatening alterations in endocrine function, especially with chronic use. Monitor patients receiving KYMBEE for Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and adrenal insufficiency after KYMBEE withdrawal. In addition, patients with hypopituitarism, primary adrenal insufficiency or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, altered thyroid function, or pheochromocytoma may be at increased risk for adverse endocrine events. Risk of Adrenal Insufficiency Following Corticosteroid Withdrawal Corticosteroids produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, with the potential for the development of secondary adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of corticosteroid treatment. Acute adrenal insufficiency can occur if corticosteroids are withdrawn abruptly, and can be fatal. The degree and duration of adrenocortical insufficiency produced is variable among patients and depends on the dose, frequency, and duration of corticosteroid therapy. The risk is reduced by gradually tapering the corticosteroid dose when withdrawing treatment. This insufficiency may persist, however, for months after discontinuation of prolonged therapy; therefore, in any situation of stress occurring during that period of discontinuation, corticosteroid therapy should be reinstituted. For patients already taking corticosteroids during times of stress, the dosage may need to be increased. A steroid “withdrawal syndrome”, seemingly unrelated to adrenocortical insufficiency, may also occur following abrupt discontinuance of corticosteroids. This syndrome includes symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, headache, fever, joint pain, desquamation, myalgia, and/or weight loss. These effects are thought to be due to the sudden change in corticosteroid concentration rather than to low corticosteroid levels. Cushing's Syndrome Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism) occurs with prolonged exposure to exogenous corticosteroids, including KYMBEE. Symptoms include hypertension, truncal obesity and thinning of the limbs, purple striae, facial rounding, facial plethora, muscle weakness, easy and frequent bruising with thin fragile skin, posterior neck fat deposition, osteopenia, acne, amenorrhea, hirsutism and psychiatric abnormalities. Hyperglycemia Corticosteroids can increase blood glucose, worsen pre-existing diabetes, predispose those on long-term therapy to diabetes mellitus, and may reduce the effect of anti-diabeti …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections: Alterations in Endocrine Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Immunosuppression and Increased Risk of Infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Alterations in Cardiovascular/Renal Function [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Behavioral and Mood Disturbances [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Effects on Bones [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Ophthalmic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Immunizations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Serious Skin Rashes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Effects on Growth and Development [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] Myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] Kaposi's Sarcoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12) ] Thromboembolic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14) ] Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10% for KYMBEE and greater than placebo) are Cushingoid appearance, weight increased, increased appetite, upper respiratory tract infection, cough, pollakiuria, hirsutism, central obesity, and nasopharyngitis ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC at 1-855-899-9180 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In Study 1 [see Clinical Studies (14) ] , the adverse reactions that were associated with deflazacort treatment discontinuation, in decreasing order of frequency, were weight increased, obesity, cataract, and sleep disorder. Most Common Adverse Reactions in Clinical Studies Table 1 lists the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 5% of patients in the 0.9 mg/kg/day deflazacort-treated group and that occurred more frequently than in placebo patients in Study 1, which included patients with DMD between the ages of 5 and 15 years. Table 1: Adverse Reactions that Occurred in ≥ 5% of Deflazacort-Treated Patients and Occurred More Frequently than in Placebo Patients with DMD (Study 1) Adverse Reaction Deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/d (N=51) % at 12 weeks Placebo (N=50) % at 12 weeks At 12 weeks placebo patients were re-randomized to receive either deflazacort or an active comparator. Cushingoid appearance 33 12 Weight increased 20 6 Increased appetite 14 2 Upper respiratory tract infection 12 10 Cough 12 6 Pollakiuria 12 2 Nasopharyngitis 10 6 Hirsutism 10 2 Central obesity 10 4 Erythema 8 6 Irritability 8 4 Rhinorrhea 8 0 Abdominal discomfort 6 2 Common adverse reactions (≥ 5% of deflazacort-treated patients) that occurred over 52 weeks of exposure to deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/day in Study 1 and at a higher rate than deflazacort 0.9 mg/kg/day in the 12-week placebo-controlled phase of the trial include Cushingoid appearance (60%), hirsutism (35%), weight increased (28%), erythema (28%), central obesity (25%), abdominal pain/abdominal pain upper (18% combined), pollakiuria (15%), constipation (10%), irritability (10%), abnormal behavior (9%), pyrexia (9%), back pain (7%), rash (7%), contusion (6%), nausea (6%), psychomotor hyperactivity (6%), epistaxis (6%), and skin striae (6%). Study 1 also evaluated a higher dosage of deflazacort (1.2 mg/kg/day). Compared with the 0.9 mg/kg/day dosage, deflazacort 1.2 mg/kg/day over 52 weeks was associated with a higher incidence of certain adverse reactions, including Cushingoid appearance (69%), erythema (49%), hirsutism (37%), headache (34%), weight increased (32%), constipation (15%), abdominal pain upper (14%), skin striae (11%), acne (11%), and abdominal discomfort (8%). As there was no additional benefit with the 1.2 mg/kg/day dose of deflaza …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Give one third of the recommended dosage of KYMBEE ( 7.1 ) Avoid use of moderate or strong CYP3A4 inducers with KYMBEE, as they may reduce efficacy ( 7.1 ) Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza ® (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. 7.1 CYP3A4 Inhibitors and Inducers Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors The active metabolite of deflazacort, 21-desDFZ, is a substrate of CYP3A4 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Co-administration of deflazacort with clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, increased total exposure to 21-desDFZ by about 3-fold. Therefore, give one third the recommended dosage of KYMBEE when moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem, verapamil, grapefruit juice) are used concomitantly with KYMBEE [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Moderate or Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Co-administration of deflazacort with rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, significantly decreased the exposure of 21-desDFZ. Avoid concomitant use of strong (e.g., efavirenz) or moderate (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) CYP3A4 inducers with KYMBEE [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Neuromuscular Blockers Patients receiving corticosteroids, including KYMBEE, and concomitant therapy with neuromuscular blocking drugs (e.g., pancuronium) may be at increased risk of developing an acute myopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) ] .
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Infants born to mothers who have received substantial doses of corticosteroids during pregnancy should be carefully observed for signs of hypoadrenalism. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies with KYMBEE in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. Corticosteroids, including KYMBEE, readily cross the placenta. Adverse developmental outcomes, including orofacial clefts (cleft lip, with or without cleft palate) and intrauterine growth restriction, and decreased birth weight, have been reported with maternal use of corticosteroids, including KYMBEE, during pregnancy. Some epidemiologic studies report an increased risk of orofacial clefts from about 1 per 1,000 infants to 3 to 5 per 1,000 infants; however, a risk for orofacial clefts has not been observed in all studies. Intrauterine growth restriction and decreased birth weight appear to be dose-related; however, the underlying maternal condition may also contribute to these risks (see Data ). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with deflazacort. Animal reproduction studies conducted with other corticosteroids in pregnant mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits using clinically relevant doses have shown an increased incidence of cleft palate. An increase in embryofetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, and constriction of the ductus arteriosus were observed in some animal species. Data Human Data Multiple cohort and case-controlled studies in humans suggest that maternal corticosteroid use during the first trimester increases the rate of cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, from about 1/1,000 infants to 3 to 5/1,000 infants. Two prospective case-controlled studies showed decreased birth weight in infants exposed to maternal corticosteroids in utero . 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for KYMBEE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from KYMBEE. There are no data on the effects on milk production. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of KYMBEE for the treatment of DMD have been established in patients 5 years of age and older. Use of KYMBEE in pediatric patients is supported by a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study in 196 males 5 to 15 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years have not been established. Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data Oral administration of deflazacort (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg/day) to juvenile rats from postnatal day (PND) 21 to 80 resulted in decreased body weight gain and adverse effects on skeletal development (including decreased cellularity of growth plate and altered bone distribution) and on lymphoid tissue (decreased cellularity). A no-effect dose was not identified. In addition, neurological and neurobehavioral abnormalities were observed at the mid and/or high dose. Plasma 21-desDFZ exposure (AUC) at the lowest dose tested (0.1 mg/kg/day) was lower than that in humans at the recommended human dose of KYMBEE (0.9 mg/kg/day). Additional pediatric use information is approved for PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s Emflaza ® (deflazacort) tablets. However, due to PTC Therapeutics, Inc.'s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled wi …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Deflazacort is a corticosteroid prodrug, whose active metabolite, 21-desDFZ, acts through the glucocorticoid receptor to exert anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The precise mechanism by which deflazacort exerts its therapeutic effects in patients with DMD is unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in KYMBEE is deflazacort (a corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are adrenocortical steroids, both naturally occurring and synthetic. The molecular formula for deflazacort is C 25 H 31 NO 6 . The chemical name for deflazacort is (11β,16β)-21-(acetyloxy)-11-hydroxy-2'-methyl-5'H-pregna-1,4-dieno[17,16-d]oxazole-3,20-dione, and the structure is: Deflazacort is a white to off white, odorless fine powder and has a molecular weight of 441.517. Deflazacort is freely soluble in acetic acid and dichloromethane and soluble in methanol and acetone. KYMBEE for oral administration is available as an immediate-release tablet in strengths of 6, 18, 30 and 36 mg. Each tablet contains deflazacort and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and pre-gelatinized starch. Chemical Structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Treatment of acute overdosage is by immediate gastric lavage or emesis followed by supportive and symptomatic therapy. For chronic overdosage in the face of severe disease requiring continuous steroid therapy, the dosage of KYMBEE may be reduced temporarily, or alternate day treatment may be introduced.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied KYMBEE TM Tablets 6 mg are white, round tablets with "U6" debossed on one side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 100 with a child-resistant closure, NDC 0245-0814-11 18 mg are white, round tablets with "U18" debossed on one side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 30 with a child-resistant closure, NDC 0245-0815-30 30 mg are white, oval tablets with "U30" debossed on one side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 30 with a child-resistant closure, NDC 0245-0816-30 36 mg are white, oval tablets with "U36" debossed on one side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 30 with a child-resistant closure, NDC 0245-0817-30 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursion permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DEFLAZACORT. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0245-0814-11 | 0245-0814 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0245-0814-11) / 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE | October 31, 2025 |
| 0245-0815-30 | 0245-0815 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0245-0815-30) / 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE | October 31, 2025 |
| 0245-0816-30 | 0245-0816 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0245-0816-30) / 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE | October 31, 2025 |
| 0245-0817-30 | 0245-0817 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0245-0817-30) / 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE | October 31, 2025 |
| 0245-0814 | 0245-0814 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | — | November 5, 2024 |
| 0245-0815 | 0245-0815 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | — | November 5, 2024 |
| 0245-0816 | 0245-0816 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | — | November 5, 2024 |
| 0245-0817 | 0245-0817 | Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC | — | November 5, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.