9 Dapsone Side Effects You Should Know About
Dapsone (Aczone) is an antibiotic that comes as a topical gel and an oral tablet. Here are 9 possible dapsone side effects to watch for.
dapsone
Used for Acne, Leprosy
Used for Acne, Leprosy
Dapsone (Aczone) is a prescription gel used to treat acne. It belongs to a group of medications called sulfone antibiotics and comes in two strengths: 7.5% for people ages 9 and older and 5% for people ages 12 and older. Depending on the strength, it's applied to the skin once or twice a day. Common side effects include redness and dryness where the medication is applied.
What is Dapsone (Aczone)?
What is Dapsone (Aczone) used for?
How Dapsone (Aczone) works
Dapsone (Aczone) is a sulfone antibiotic. It's not fully understood how it treats acne, but it likely reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation in the skin.
When does Dapsone (Aczone) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Aczone |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Sulfone antibiotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Dapsone (Aczone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
5% gel:
- Application site reaction (18%)
- Dryness at the application site (16%)
- Redness at the application site (13%)
7.5% gel:
- Dryness at the application site (1%)
- Itching at the application site (1%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Burning at the application site
- Common cold symptoms
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Cough
- Fever
- Flu
- Sore throat
- Headache
Dapsone (Aczone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Methemoglobinemia: grey or blue lips, grey or blue nail beds, grey or blue skin, shortness of breath, tiredness, fast heartbeat
- Hemolytic anemia: back pain, dark brown urine, shortness of breath, fever, tiredness or weakness, yellow or pale skin
More on Dapsone (Aczone) side effects
The following Dapsone (Aczone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Aplastic anemia—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, increased bleeding or bruising
- Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Dapsone (Aczone)
Pros
- Applied directly to the skin
- Can be used with other acne medications
- Used once or twice a day, depending on the strength
Cons
- Can cause dryness, redness, or itching
- Might take up to 3 months to see full effects
- Not known if it's safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Dapsone (Aczone)
- Only use dapsone (Aczone) on your skin. Keep the gel away from your eyes, mouth, and genital area to prevent irritation.
- Talk to your dermatologist if your acne hasn't improved after 3 months of using dapsone (Aczone). They can discuss other acne treatment options with you.
- Using benzoyl peroxide with dapsone (Aczone) can temporarily turn your skin or facial hair yellow or orange. This discoloration will go away.
- Stop using dapsone (Aczone) and get medical help right away if your lips, skin, or nail beds turn blue or gray. This could be a sign of methemoglobinemia, a rare blood problem that lowers the amount of oxygen your blood can carry.
- Storage: Keep dapsone (Aczone) at room temperature. Don't freeze the gel.
How to use dapsone (Aczone) 5%
- Wash and gently dry your skin before applying the gel.
- Apply about a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over the areas with acne twice a day.
- The 5% gel might feel slightly gritty because the gel contains visible particles. Gently rub it in completely, then wash your hands.
How to use dapsone (Aczone) 7.5%
- Wash and gently dry your skin before applying the gel.
- Apply about a pea-sized amount in a thin layer over your entire face once a day and a thin layer to any other areas with acne.
- Gently rub the gel into your skin completely. Wash your hands after applying it.
Risks and warnings for Dapsone (Aczone)
Dapsone (Aczone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Methemoglobinemia
- Risk factors: History of methemoglobinemia | G6PD deficiency | Taking other medications that can cause methemoglobinemia
Some people using dapsone (Aczone) have developed a rare but serious blood condition called methemoglobinemia. This condition makes it harder for your blood to carry enough oxygen throughout your body. Your risk is higher if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
Stop using dapsone (Aczone) and get medical help right away if your lips, inside of your mouth, or nail beds turn blue or grey.
Low red blood cell counts in people with G6PD deficiency
- Risk factors: G6PD deficiency | Taking antimalarial medications, oral dapsone, or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
There might be a risk of low red blood cell levels (hemolytic anemia) with dapsone (Aczone). This happens when your red blood cells break down faster than your body can replace them.
Your risk might be higher if you have G6PD deficiency or take certain medications, such as Bactrim or Septra (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim). Stop using dapsone (Aczone) and contact your care team if you have unusual tiredness, weakness, pale skin, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Dapsone (Aczone) dosage
The average cost for 1 pump of 60g of 7.5% of Dapsone (Aczone) is $55.98 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.72% off the average retail price of $455.80.
How much does Dapsone (Aczone) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Dapsone (Aczone)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Dapsone (Aczone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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