DAPSONE

Drug Name: DAPSONE

DAPSONE DESCRIPTION:
DAPSONE (DDS) - ORAL (DAP-sown)

DAPSONE SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or headache may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if these effects persist or become bothersome. Notify your doctor if you develop: tingling of the hands or feet, dizziness, incoordination, muscle weakness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fever, sore throat, weakness, fatigue, jaundice, rapid heartbeat. DAPSONE can affect your blood causing serious anemias. It is important to have your blood counts checked routinely while taking DAPSONE. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DAPSONE:
DAPSONE: This may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. It is important to take DAPSONE as directed for as long as necessary to prevent leprosy from reoccurring. In some cases, therapy may be continued for 3 to 5 years.

DAPSONE USES:
Dapsone is used to treat leprosy and other skin conditions.

OTHER USES OF DAPSONE:
DAPSONE may also be used to prevent malaria, for certain types of arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, or for pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

DAPSONE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, such as: blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, glucose-6-phosphate, dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, any allergies. DAPSONE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of dapsone are found in breast milk, breast-feeding is not recommended while taking DAPSONE. Consult your doctor.

DAPSONE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you take, especially: rifampin, para- aminobenzoic acid, probenecid, pyrimethamine. . DAPSONE may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DAPSONE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, easy excitability, seizures, and bluish discoloration of skin.

DAPSONE NOTES:
Keep all doctors appointments and laboratory visits so the effectiveness of DAPSONE can be monitored.

MISSED DAPSONE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

DAPSONE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.