Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Dapsone. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Dapsone with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Dapsone. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• blurred vision
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fatigue
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash or itch
• trouble sleeping

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• easy bruising
• itching, dryness, redness, scaling, or peeling of the skin
• loss of hair
• numbing or tingling sensation in the hands or feet
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities)
• signs of infections (e.g., Fever or chills, sore throat)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Hives; swelling of the eyes, mouth, lips, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Dapsone.

Each round, scored tablet, debossed "100" above and "101" below the score and, on the other side, "Jacobus", contains dapsone 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and cornstarch.

Dapsone should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to dapsone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has a kidney problem called advanced amyloidosis of the kidneys

There may be an interaction between dapsone and any of the following:

• azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• chloroquine
• clarithromycin
• didanosine
• hydroxychloroquine
• Mefloquine
• nicardipine
• Primaquine
• probenecid
• proguanil
• protease inhibitors; anti-HIV medications (lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• quinine
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• sulfisoxazole

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Dapsone. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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.