Yes. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy offers completely free enrollment support for Emflaza (deflazacort) copay assistance programs. We don’t charge application fees or service charges—our mission is to help DMD patients access affordable treatment.

What’s included at no cost:
• Complete application assistance for copay cards and financial aid programs
• Insurance benefit verification and coverage analysis
• Continuous benefit monitoring to maintain your savings
• Home delivery coordination and prescription management
• Automatic refill reminders

Emflaza savings programs available:

For commercially insured patients: Manufacturer copay cards can reduce your prescription costs, with many eligible patients paying $0.

For Medicare and Medicaid patients: Independent foundation grant programs offer financial assistance to help cover medication expenses. These nonprofit programs are free to apply for, and QuickRx guides you through the entire process.

For uninsured or underinsured patients: Patient assistance programs may provide Emflaza at no cost or significantly reduced prices based on household income and medical necessity.

QuickRx’s specialty pharmacy team works to eliminate financial barriers to your DMD treatment, allowing you to focus on your health.

Eligibility depends on your insurance type, medical diagnosis, and financial circumstances. Here’s how QuickRx makes enrollment simple:

Step 1: Reach out to QuickRx
Call (917) 830-2525 or toll-free (800) 496-6111, or complete our confidential online enrollment form.

Step 2: Insurance Review
Our team verifies your coverage and identifies which copay assistance programs match your insurance type.

Step 3: Qualification Assessment
We review eligibility requirements for each program—income limits (for some programs), insurance type, and diagnosis confirmation.

Step 4: Application Support
We handle all paperwork and follow up with each program to ensure timely approval.

General eligibility by insurance type:

Commercial Insurance: Most patients with employer-sponsored or marketplace insurance qualify for manufacturer copay cards with no income restrictions.

Medicare Part D: Foundation grants available for eligible patients. Income limits vary by foundation (typically up to 500% of federal poverty level).

Medicaid: Foundation grants available to cover state-required copays. Income-based eligibility applies.

No Insurance: Patient assistance programs provide free medication for eligible patients based on household income (typically up to 400-500% of federal poverty level).

Emflaza (deflazacort) is a costly specialty medication, but with QuickRx’s copay assistance coordination, many eligible patients can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket costs depending on their insurance type and financial situation.

How copay assistance works by insurance type:

Commercial Insurance:
• Many eligible patients with manufacturer copay cards pay $0
• Copay cards help cover coinsurance and deductibles
• No income restrictions or complex applications

Medicare Part D:
• Foundation grants available for eligible patients to cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
• Income-based eligibility (varies by foundation)
• Renewable grants every 3-12 months

Medicaid:
• Foundation grants available to cover any state-required copays or cost-sharing
• Income-based eligibility

No Insurance:
• Patient assistance programs may provide free medication to eligible patients
• Income limits typically 400-500% of federal poverty level
• Annual application required

The exact amount you’ll pay depends on your specific insurance plan, chosen assistance programs, and eligibility. QuickRx provides a personalized cost estimate before your first Emflaza order—you’ll know your exact out-of-pocket cost before committing.

Yes! While federal law prohibits manufacturer copay cards for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, QuickRx connects Medicare patients to independent charitable foundations that provide grants to cover Emflaza costs.

How foundation grants work for Medicare patients:

Foundation Grant Programs:
• Independent nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance for Medicare patients
• Grants cover Part D deductibles, coinsurance, and copays
• Income-based eligibility (typically up to 500% of federal poverty level)
• Renewable grants every 3-12 months

Medicare Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy:
• Federal program that reduces or eliminates Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays
• For beneficiaries with limited income and resources
• QuickRx helps you understand eligibility and apply

QuickRx handles everything:
• Foundation grant applications and renewals
• Grant eligibility screening
• Documentation gathering
• Follow-up with foundations to ensure timely approval

Most Medicare patients we serve access foundation grants that cover their Emflaza costs, making treatment affordable.

If you’re struggling with Emflaza costs, QuickRx is here to help. We specialize in connecting DMD patients to financial assistance programs so cost never prevents you from getting necessary treatment.

Here’s what we do:

Emergency Assistance:
• Some manufacturer programs offer bridge therapy or emergency supplies while your copay assistance application is processed
• We expedite all applications to minimize delays

Multiple Program Applications:
• We apply to multiple assistance programs simultaneously to increase your chances of approval
• If one program denies you, we immediately pursue alternatives

Foundation Coordination:
• We work with multiple charitable foundations specializing in DMD support
• Many foundations offer grants specifically for uninsured or underinsured patients

Alternative Financial Resources:
• We connect you to disease-specific foundations and advocacy groups
• Some nonprofit organizations offer additional support for DMD patients

Don’t delay treatment due to cost concerns. Call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free (800) 496-6111 today. Our team will find a solution to make Emflaza affordable for you.

Emflaza (deflazacort) is an FDA-approved corticosteroid medication specifically indicated for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older.

What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy?

DMD is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. It’s caused by mutations in the DMD gene that prevent production of dystrophin, a protein critical for muscle cell integrity.

How Emflaza (deflazacort) helps DMD patients:

Reduces Inflammation: Emflaza is a corticosteroid that helps reduce muscle inflammation, slowing the progression of muscle damage.

Preserves Muscle Function: Clinical studies show that deflazacort helps maintain muscle strength and function longer than placebo.

Delays Loss of Ambulation: Many patients treated with Emflaza maintain the ability to walk independently for longer periods.

Improves Quality of Life: By slowing disease progression, Emflaza helps DMD patients maintain independence and daily functioning.

FDA Approval: Emflaza was the first corticosteroid specifically approved by the FDA for DMD treatment in February 2017. The indication was later expanded in 2019 to include patients as young as 2 years old.

Emflaza (deflazacort) is taken by mouth once daily. It’s available in multiple formulations to accommodate different patient needs and preferences.

Available Forms:

Tablets:
• 6 mg tablets
• 18 mg tablets
• 30 mg tablets
• 36 mg tablets

Oral Suspension:
• 22.75 mg/mL liquid form
• Ideal for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets

Dosing Information:

The typical starting dose for DMD patients is 0.9 mg/kg once daily. Your healthcare provider will calculate the exact dose based on your body weight and adjust as needed.

Administration Tips:
• Take Emflaza at the same time each day
• Can be taken with or without food
• Do NOT take with grapefruit juice
• Swallow tablets whole with water
• For oral suspension, shake well before each use

Important: Never stop taking Emflaza suddenly without consulting your doctor. The dosage must be tapered gradually under medical supervision to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms including adrenal insufficiency.

Like all corticosteroids, Emflaza (deflazacort) can cause side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your healthcare provider. According to clinical research, deflazacort’s side effect profile is similar to other corticosteroids.

Common Side Effects:
• Cushingoid appearance (moon face, weight gain)
• Weight gain and increased appetite
• Increased susceptibility to infections
• Behavioral changes or mood swings
• Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Adrenal suppression with long-term use
• Growth delay in children
• Cataracts and vision changes
• Bone loss (osteoporosis risk)
• Gastrointestinal upset

Serious Side Effects (Seek medical attention immediately):
• Severe allergic reactions
• Signs of infection (fever, persistent sore throat)
• Mental/mood changes (depression, aggression)
• Vision problems
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Bone pain or fractures
• Severe stomach/abdominal pain

Required Monitoring:

Patients taking Emflaza require regular monitoring by their healthcare provider:
• Growth monitoring in pediatric patients
• Bone density scans to check for osteoporosis
• Blood sugar testing (especially for diabetes risk)
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Eye examinations for cataracts and glaucoma
• Vaccination status review (live vaccines may be contraindicated)
• Adrenal function testing if long-term therapy

Emflaza (deflazacort) can interact with numerous medications. Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist of all medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Medications that may interact with Emflaza:

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
• Certain antibiotics (clarithromycin, telithromycin)
• Antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• HIV protease inhibitors
• These drugs increase Emflaza levels in your blood

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers:
• Certain seizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Rifampin (antibiotic)
• St. John’s Wort
• These drugs decrease Emflaza effectiveness

Other Important Interactions:
• Other immunosuppressants
• NSAIDs (increased GI bleeding risk)
• Anticoagulants (warfarin)
• Diabetes medications
• Live vaccines (may be contraindicated)

QuickRx provides comprehensive medication reviews to identify potential interactions. Our pharmacists work with your healthcare team to ensure all your medications work safely together.

Emflaza is the brand-name version of deflazacort manufactured by PTC Therapeutics, while generic deflazacort products (from manufacturers like Aurobindo and Cranbury Pharmaceuticals) contain the same active ingredient and are FDA-approved as bioequivalent.

Key Differences:

Active Ingredient: Identical—both contain deflazacort at the same strengths

Effectiveness: Generic deflazacort is FDA-approved as bioequivalent, meaning it works the same way in the body

Manufacturing: Different manufacturers may use different inactive ingredients

Pricing: Generic deflazacort may be less expensive than brand Emflaza

Copay Assistance: Different manufacturers offer different copay assistance programs

QuickRx helps you access the most affordable option:

We compare pricing between brand Emflaza and generic deflazacort for your specific insurance plan. We also identify which manufacturer copay cards and assistance programs you qualify for. Our goal is to get you the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost, whether that’s brand or generic.

Some insurance plans may have different coverage rules for brand vs. generic medications, so we navigate all of this for you.

The cash price for Emflaza can range from $5,000 to over $10,000 per month depending on the dosage. Generic deflazacort may be slightly less expensive, but still unaffordable for most families without assistance.

Why Emflaza is so expensive:

• Specialty medication for a rare disease
• Complex manufacturing process
• Limited patient population (orphan drug)
• Long-term treatment required

This is why copay assistance programs are critical for DMD patients.

QuickRx specializes in helping patients access programs that can reduce costs significantly for eligible patients. We work with:
• Manufacturer copay cards
• Patient assistance programs
• Foundation grants
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs

Don’t let cost prevent treatment. Call QuickRx at (917) 830-2525 or toll-free (800) 496-6111 to learn about all available assistance options for your situation.

Yes! QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy offers free nationwide home delivery of Emflaza (deflazacort) with appropriate temperature-controlled packaging to ensure medication integrity.

What’s included with QuickRx home delivery:

Free Shipping:
• No delivery charges
• Temperature-controlled packaging
• Signature required for security
• Tracking provided

Automatic Refills:
• We coordinate refills automatically
• You never run out of medication
• Reminder calls before each shipment

Discreet Packaging:
• Plain packaging with no medication information visible
• Protects your privacy

Flexible Delivery:
• Choose delivery dates that work for your schedule
• Vacation supply coordination
• Emergency delivery options available

Cold Chain Management:
• If applicable, proper temperature monitoring throughout shipping
• All medications arrive in perfect condition

Call (917) 830-2525 to set up home delivery with copay assistance enrollment.

Emflaza (deflazacort) is typically a long-term treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Many patients remain on the medication for years to help slow disease progression.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association recommends corticosteroid therapy as standard care for DMD, and Emflaza is often continued as long as the benefits outweigh the risks.

Treatment Duration Considerations:

Long-Term Benefits:
• Corticosteroids like Emflaza work best when started early and continued long-term
• Studies show benefits in preserving muscle function over many years
• Most DMD patients continue corticosteroid therapy throughout childhood and adolescence

Ongoing Monitoring:
• Your healthcare provider will monitor your response and adjust treatment as needed
• Regular assessments of muscle strength, function, and side effects
• Dose adjustments based on weight changes and side effect management

Treatment Goals:
• Preserve muscle strength as long as possible
• Delay loss of ambulation (ability to walk)
• Maintain quality of life and independence
• Manage side effects while maximizing benefits

Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the optimal treatment duration based on your individual response and needs.

While taking Emflaza (deflazacort), certain dietary modifications can help manage side effects and protect your health:

Recommended Dietary Changes:

Limit Sodium Intake:
• Helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure
• Avoid processed foods, canned soups, fast food
• Read nutrition labels for sodium content

Increase Calcium and Vitamin D:
• Protects bone health (corticosteroids increase osteoporosis risk)
• Dairy products, fortified foods, leafy greens
• Your doctor may recommend supplements

Monitor Sugar Intake:
• Corticosteroids can raise blood sugar levels
• Limit sugary drinks and desserts
• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars

Adequate Protein:
• Supports muscle health
• Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes

Avoid Grapefruit:
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with how your body processes Emflaza
• This can increase side effect risk

Weight Management:
• Corticosteroids can increase appetite and cause weight gain
• Eat balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Control portion sizes

Discuss specific dietary recommendations with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who understands DMD nutritional needs.

QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy accepts most major commercial insurance plans, Medicaid, and some Medicare plans. Our team will verify your coverage and benefits before processing your prescription.

Insurance Plans We Accept:

Commercial Insurance:
• Most employer-sponsored health plans
• Marketplace/ACA plans
• BCBS, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, and most major carriers

Medicare:
• Medicare Part D prescription plans
• Medicare Advantage plans with Part D coverage

Medicaid:
• Most state Medicaid programs
• Medicaid managed care plans

What if my insurance isn’t in-network?

Even if QuickRx is out-of-network for your plan, we can still help you access copay assistance programs to reduce your costs. We’ll work with your insurance company to process claims and maximize your benefits.

What if I’m uninsured?

QuickRx specializes in helping uninsured patients access patient assistance programs that provide free or low-cost Emflaza. Call us at (917) 830-2525 to discuss your options.

Insurance Verification Process:

When you contact QuickRx, we:
1. Verify your insurance coverage
2. Determine your copay/coinsurance amount
3. Identify applicable copay assistance programs
4. Provide you with your exact out-of-pocket cost before processing

No surprises—you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay before committing.

The documentation required varies by program type, but QuickRx guides you through exactly what’s needed for your specific situation. Here’s what to expect:

Basic Information Needed:

For All Programs:
• Valid prescription for Emflaza from your healthcare provider
• Insurance card (front and back) if applicable
• Basic personal information (name, address, date of birth)
• DMD diagnosis confirmation from your doctor

For Income-Based Programs (foundations, patient assistance):
• Proof of household income:
– Recent pay stubs (last 2-3 months)
– Tax return from most recent year
– Social Security/disability award letters
– Unemployment documentation if applicable
• Household size information

For Medicare/Medicaid Patients:
• Medicare/Medicaid card
• Part D plan information (if applicable)
• Income documentation for foundation grants

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything!

QuickRx helps you gather required documentation. We’ll tell you exactly what each program needs and help you obtain missing documents. We work with your healthcare provider’s office to get prescription and diagnosis confirmation.

How to Get Started:

Call (917) 830-2525 or toll-free (800) 496-6111, or complete our online form. We’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Emflaza (deflazacort) FDA Approval History. Accessed November 2025.
2. Muscular Dystrophy Association. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Accessed November 2025.
3. Griggs RC, et al. Efficacy and safety of deflazacort vs prednisone and placebo for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Neurology. 2016;87(20):2123-2131.
4. Houde S, Filiatrault M, Fournier A, et al. Deflazacort Use in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: An 8-Year Follow-Up. Pediatr Neurol. 2008;38(3):200-206.
5. Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA Celebrates News of FDA Approval of Emflaza for Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. February 9, 2017.
6. Bello L, et al. Prednisone/prednisolone and deflazacort regimens in the CINRG Duchenne Natural History Study. Neurology. 2015;85(12):1048-1055.
7. Matthews E, et al. Corticosteroids for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;5:CD003725.
8. Muscular Dystrophy Association. Signs and Symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Accessed November 2025.
9. Muscular Dystrophy Association. Management and Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Accessed November 2025.
10. Venugopal V, Pavlakis S. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025.

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Emflaza (deflazacort) copay assistance and is not medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for complete information about Emflaza, including full prescribing information, potential side effects, and whether it’s appropriate for their condition. QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy and is not affiliated with PTC Therapeutics or the manufacturers of Emflaza or generic deflazacort products.

Last reviewed: November 2025