Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dapsone.
Anemia: Dapsone is known to cause certain types of anemia (low levels of red blood cells). People with anemia should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will need to have your blood counts checked routinely while taking Dapsone.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Dapsone can cause dizziness for people who take normal doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure that you can do these activities safely.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: People who lack the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: People with heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney Disease: People with kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will probably need regular kidney tests while taking Dapsone to make sure that Dapsone is not harming your kidneys.
Liver disease: People with liver disease should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed. You will probably need regular liver tests while taking Dapsone to make sure that Dapsone is not harming your liver.
Lung disease: People with lung disease should discuss with their doctor how Dapsone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dapsone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Dapsone should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dapsone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Dapsone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking dapsone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Dapsone should not be used for children less than 1 month old.
