What Is Dapsone?

Possible Side Effects

This medication seems to have several possible side effects. Some of the side effects may be serious ones. The most common possible side effects may include appetite loss, blurry vision, vomiting, nausea, and dizziness. Patients may deal with sleeping problems, ringing in the ears, headaches, and spinning sensations sometimes too. If these symptoms persist or get worse, patients may wish to let their doctor know right away. This medication's less common side effects appear to include rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, chest pain, and problems urinating. Patients may experience blue lips or skin as well. Muscle weakness, mood changes, and mental state changes also seem to be possible side effects.

Rare side effects may include liver disease and low blood counts. Patients should consider watching for pale skin, dark urine, jaundice, and pain in their abdomen as possible signs of these. If these signs develop, patients may need urgent medical attention. This care may also be vital for signs of an infection. Infection signs seem to include chills, fever, and a sore throat.

Learn about the precautions to consider taking with this medication next.

Potential Precautions

Patients may want to review their medical history before they take this medication. Some conditions may make it unsafe for them. It appears that a history of lung, heart, or liver disease are included in this. A history of blood conditions may be even more important to review. Individuals with anemia may need treatment for their condition before they can consider taking dapsone. Some women may also want to discuss this medication with their doctor first. It seems that it is not recommended if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additional symptoms may appear when patients take this medication for Hansen's disease. They may include skin sores and muscle weakness. Individuals may need other treatments for these signs. Thus, they should consider calling their doctor if they appear.

Other potential precautions may include avoiding the sun, alcohol, and marijuana. Patients may be more sensitive to the sun. They may have to avoid going outside due to this. Patients may want to wear sunscreen daily as well. They may also wish to avoid tanning beds. Protective clothing may help as well. Some dermatitis herpetiformis patients may need to avoid gluten when they are taking this medication. Finally, patients may need to drink a full glass of water with this medication. However, it seems that they can choose to take it before or after eating.

Reveal the possible medication interactions next.