Dapsone Tablets

DAPSONE (DAP sone) treats infections caused by bacteria. It may also be used to treat dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin condition that causes itchy bumps and blisters. It belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by viruses.

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
• Stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency
• Liver disease
• Low red blood cell levels
• An unusual or allergic reaction to dapsone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

• Nitrofurantoin
• Primaquine
• Pyrimethamine
• Rifampin
• Trimethoprim

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Some people who have G6PD deficiency may get anemia (low red blood cell levels). Stop taking this medication and contact your care team if you have trouble breathing, feel faint or lightheaded, or are unusually weak or tired.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.