Brand Name(s): DDS

Generic Name Dapsone

What are dapsone tablets?

DAPSONE (DDS) is an antiinfective medicine. Dapsone treats leprosy (Hansen's disease) and helps to control a skin problem called dermatitis herpetiformis. Certain other conditions may also respond to treatment with dapsone. Generic dapsone tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take dapsone?

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

• anemia
• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dapsone, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take dapsone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets with a drink of water. If dapsone upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What drug(s) may interact with dapsone?

• bosentan
• didanosine, ddI
• fluorouracil, 5-FU
• imatinib, STI-571
• methotrexate
• prilocaine
• probenecid
• pyrimethamine
• rifampin
• trimethoprim
• trimetrexate
• zidovudine, ZDV

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking dapsone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blood in urine
• bluish fingernails or lips
• dark yellow or brown urine
• decrease or increase in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing
• fever or chills, sore throat
• lower back pain
• pale skin
• skin rash, redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of skin
• stomach pain
• tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• yellowing of they eyes or skin

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

• nausea, vomiting
• loss of appetite
• increased sensitivity to sun or ultraviolet light

What should I watch for while taking dapsone?

You must visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are being treated for dermatitis herpetiformis tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in a few days. If you are being treated for leprosy your symptoms should start to improve in 2 to 3 months. The treatment for leprosy can take years, make sure you continue to take dapsone at regular intervals.

If you get a fever or sore throat do not treat yourself. These symptoms can indicate a serious reaction. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you are taking dapsone for dermatitis herpetiformis you may need to have a gluten-free diet. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice about this diet.

If your skin gets more sensitive to sunlight, keep out of the sun or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths. If your eyes are more sensitive to light wear sunglasses.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). Protect from light. Keep container well closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.