Dapsone

Dapsone

     * Generic Name: dapsone
     * Brand Name: Dapsone


     * What is dapsone?
     * What are the possible side effects of dapsone?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       dapsone?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       dapsone?
     * How should I take dapsone?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking dapsone?
     * What other drugs will affect dapsone?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is dapsone?

   Dapsone is an anti-infective medicine that fights bacteria.

   Dapsone is used to treat dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin
   condition) and leprosy.

   Dapsone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of dapsone?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * worsening or no improvement in your symptoms;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
     * unusual thoughts or behavior;
     * new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;
     * signs of abnormal blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill
       feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or
       swollen gums, trouble swallowing, pale skin, easy bruising,
       purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
     * pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to
       your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
     * an autoimmune disorder--joint pain or swelling with fever,
       headaches, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, and
       butterfly-shaped skin rash on your cheeks and nose that worsens in
       sunlight; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
     * headache;
     * dizziness or spinning sensation;
     * blurred vision, ringing in your ears; or
     * sleep problems (insomnia).

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dapsone?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Dapsone Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Adult Skin Problems: Recognize These Skin Conditions?

   Adult Skin Problems Slideshow
   RxList

   Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious?
   RxList

   Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dapsone?

   You should not use dapsone if you are allergic to it.

   To make sure dapsone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate
       dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;
     * methemoglobin reductase deficiency (hemoglobin M);
     * liver disease;
     * heart disease; or
     * lung disease.

   FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dapsone will harm an
   unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
   pregnant while using this medication.

   Dapsone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take dapsone?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Dapsone may be only part of a complete program of treatment that may
   also include a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you
   by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list
   of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.

   Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using
   dapsone.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Dapsone Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Adult Skin Problems: Recognize These Skin Conditions?

   Adult Skin Problems Slideshow
   RxList

   Quiz: Is Ringworm Contagious?
   RxList

   Gallery of Skin Problems and Image Collection

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may vomiting, feeling restless or excited, and a pale
   or blue-colored appearance.

What should I avoid while taking dapsone?

   Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Dapsone can make you
   sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen
   (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect dapsone?

   Other drugs may interact with dapsone, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about dapsone.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.