Aczone

Dapsone Topical



(dap' sone)

Aczone®

Dapsone topical is used to treat acne. Dapsone is in a class of medications called sulfone antibiotics. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of bacteria and to decrease inflammation.

Dapsone comes as a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once (7.5% gel) or twice (5% gel) daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply dapsone exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or apply it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Applying more dapsone or applying dapsone more often than recommended will not speed up or improve results, but it may irritate your skin.
It may take up to 12 weeks before you feel the full benefit of dapsone gel. If your acne does not improve after 12 weeks of treatment, call your doctor.
Be careful not to get dapsone gel in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
To use the dapsone gel, follow these steps:



Gently wash the affected skin and pat dry with a soft towel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a gentle cleanser.

If you are using the 5% gel product, use your fingers to spread a pea-sized amount as a thin layer of gel over the affected area. If you are using the 7.5% gel product, use your fingers to spread a pea-sized amount as a thin layer of gel over the face and any other affected areas.

Rub the gel in gently and completely. It may feel gritty and you may see particles in the gel.

Put the cap back on the gel tube and close it tightly.

Wash your hands immediately after applying the gel.Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking dapsone,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dapsone, sulfa drugs, phenylhydrazine, naphthalene, niridazole, nitrofurantoin, primaquine, or any other drugs.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aminobenzoate potassium (Potaba), aminobenzoic acid, clofazimine (Lamprene), didanosine (Videx), probenecid (Benemid), pyrimethamine (Daraprim), rifampin (Rifadin), trimethoprim (Bactrim, Cotrim, Septra), or vitamins.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia or liver disease.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking dapsone, call your doctor.

plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Dapsone may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Dapsone may cause an upset stomach. Take dapsone with food or milk.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Dapsone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:



upset stomach

vomiting

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:



sore throat

fever

rash

yellowing of the skin or eyes

unusual bruising
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze this medication.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.  However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.  See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.