Aczone (Dapsone)

Dapsone topical

What is this medicine?

DAPSONE is an anti-infective medication. Dapsone topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne. Dapsone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

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

To make sure dapsone topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia (abnormal red blood cells in your blood); or

• if you have ever had methemoglobinemia in the past.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

Dapsone topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Do not take by mouth. Dapsone topical is for use only on the skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, mouth, or vagina, rinse with water.

Wash the skin before you apply dapsone. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. Also wash your hands after applying this medicine. Use only a pea-sized amount of dapsone each time you apply this medicine. Using benzoyl peroxide acne medication at the same time as dapsone topical may cause temporary changes in the color of your skin or facial hair.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 12 weeks of treatment.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

Dapsone topical can cause a serious condition called methemoglobinemia, especially if you use certain medicines at the same time, including sulfa drugs, acetaminophen (Tylenol), nitroglycerin or other nitrite heart medications, seizure medicine, and several other drugs. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with dapsone topical.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with dapsone topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

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

Dapsone topical may cause methemoglobinemia (met-HEEM-oh glo-bin-EE-mee-a), a serious condition in which the amount of oxygen in your blood stream becomes dangerously low. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you notice a blue or gray appearance of your lips, fingernails, or the inside of your mouth.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe sore throat;

• unusual thoughts or behavior;

• a red blood cell disorder--back pain, pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• pancreas problems--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate; 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:

• dry or peeling skin;

• oily skin; or

• redness where the medicine was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with dapsone topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.