Getting Diagnosed

Steps to a DMD diagnosis.

On average, obtaining a confirmed Duchenne diagnosis takes about 2.5 years from the time symptoms are first noticed. Diagnosis is the vital first step in managing Duchenne, so it’s important to obtain a diagnosis as early as possible—before additional muscle damage occurs.

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Nicholas

Meet Nicholas, age 17
Amenable to exon 53 skipping

Common steps to a Duchenne diagnosis.
 


Parents, caregivers, or teachers


If you or others are seeing telltale signs of Duchenne, such as large calves or Gowers maneuver, trust your gut and check in with your child’s doctor. See the symptoms of Duchenne.


Family doctor or pediatrician


Ask the doctor for a creatine kinase, or CK, blood test. This is a simple, highly accurate test for indicating muscle damage that can result from Duchenne. A CK test can’t confirm Duchenne or identify the mutation—only a genetic test can. Learn more about genetic testing.


Pediatric neurologist or neuromuscular specialist

Genetic testing will determine if a mutation is present on the dystrophin gene that would indicate Duchenne. It can also identify the type of mutation—which is important for determining potential clinical trial participation or therapy options. Explore sample test results.

 

These are the common steps to a diagnosis, but your path may be different. The important things are arming yourself with information on tests that can diagnose Duchenne and talking to your doctor as soon as your child displays the signs. 

     

We’ve developed a Doctor Discussion Guide to help you start that important conversation. Get a personalized guide

Why a timely diagnosis matters.

With Duchenne, symptoms such as muscle weakness and loss of mobility are progressive, and unfortunately, muscle damage is irreversible. The earlier you know the diagnosis, the sooner you can start the conversation about disease management with your child’s doctor. You’ll know your options after genetic testing that will confirm Duchenne and identify the specific mutation in the dystrophin gene. Learn more about treatment with VYONDYS 53.

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Related FAQs

Where do I get a genetic test?

If your child has been diagnosed with Duchenne, you can request a genetic test through your child’s doctor. Once you have the results, your doctor or a genetic counselor can interpret them for you. Find out more about genetic testing for Duchenne.

We have a genetic test. How do I know if my child can be treated with VYONDYS 53?

A doctor will need to interpret the test results to consider appropriate treatment options. Learn more about deletions.

 

 

WHAT IS VYONDYS 53 (golodirsen)?

VYONDYS 53 is used to treat patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have a confirmed mutation in the dystrophin gene that can be treated by skipping exon 53.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on an increase in dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in patients treated with VYONDYS 53. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of a clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.

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IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

Allergic reactions, including rash, fever, itching, hives, and inflammation and/or peeling of the skin have occurred in patients who were treated with VYONDYS 53. Seek immediate medical care if signs and symptoms of allergic reactions occur.

Damage to the kidneys was seen in animals who received golodirsen. Although damage to the kidneys was not seen in clinical studies with VYONDYS 53, potentially fatal kidney damage has occurred with other drugs that work in a similar way. Your doctor may recommend urine and blood testing before starting treatment followed by urine testing every month and a blood test every 3 months to monitor your kidneys.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

Allergic reactions, including rash, fever, itching, hives, and inflammation and/or peeling of the skin have occurred in patients who were treated with VYONDYS 53.  Seek immediate medical care if signs and symptoms of allergic reactions occur.

Damage to the kidneys was seen in animals who received golodirsen. Although damage to the kidneys was not seen in clinical studies with VYONDYS 53, potentially fatal kidney damage has occurred with other drugs that work in a similar way. Your doctor may recommend urine and blood testing before starting treatment followed by urine testing every month and a blood test every 3 months to monitor your kidneys.

Adverse reactions that have occurred in at least 20% of patients treated with VYONDYS 53 and more often than in patients who received an inactive intravenous (IV) infusion were headache (41%, 10%), fever (41%, 14%), fall (29%, 19%), pain in the abdomen (27%, 10%), infection of the nose and throat (27%, 14%), cough (27%, 19%), vomiting (27%, 19%), and nausea (20%, 10%).

Other adverse reactions that occurred in greater than 5% of patients treated with VYONDYS 53 and more often than in patients who received an inactive IV infusion were pain at the IV site, back pain, pain, diarrhea, dizziness, stretch or tear in a ligament, bruising, flu, pain in the mouth and throat, stuffy or runny nose, scrapes or scratches of the skin, ear infection, seasonal allergy, fast heartbeat, reactions related to the IV catheter site, constipation, and broken bones.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Sarepta Therapeutics at 1-888-SAREPTA (1-888-727-3782).

Please see the full Prescribing Information for VYONDYS 53 (golodirsen).