Understanding Dapsone (Aczone)

Precautions

Patients need to review their medical history with their doctor before taking this medication! Points of interest include a history of lung, liver, and heart disease. A history of blood conditions, such as anemia and porphyria, is particularly important to cover! Reviewing these conditions is vital, as dapsone is considered unsafe for these patients. Individuals with anemia need to treat their condition before they can take this medication! Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must discuss this medication first also. Most doctors do not recommend it during these times! Other conditions that this medication treats often come with additional side effects. Hansen's disease is an example, and the side effects are numbness, pain, skin sores, and muscle weakness. Patients need additional treatment for these effects!

Patients cannot drink alcohol or use marijuana while they are on this medication. They have to avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen daily because dapsone increases their sensitivity to the sun! In addition, they need to stop using tanning beds. When they must be in the sun, they need to wear protective clothing. This includes long sleeves and hats! Dermatitis herpetiformis patients on this medication have to maintain a gluten-free diet. Although patients need to drink a glass of water with this medication, they can choose to take it before or after eating.

Reveal the medication interactions next.