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GENERIC NAME: CLOFAZIMINE - ORAL (klo-FAZZ-eh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): Lamprene

USES: This medication is used in the treatment of leprosy. It is often taken in combination with other anti-leprosy medication.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with food as directed usually once a day. Take this for the full time prescribed. It may be necessary to continue on this medication for 2 to 3 years to ensure treatment is effective. Stopping therapy too soon may result in a relapse.

SIDE EFFECTS: More common side effects include: loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dry skin and discoloration (from pink to brownish-black) of the skin, stools, urine, saliva, sweat, tears or lining of the eyelids. Other side effects reported are changes in taste, dry or irritated eyes, headache, fever, increased blood sugar and an increased sensitivity to sunlight. Notify your doctor if any of these symptoms become bothersome. Notify your doctor immediately if any of these less common side effects occur: black or bloody stools, severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual weakness, depression. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: stomach disorders, any allergies. Use caution driving or operating machinery if this medication makes you drowsy. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor its effects. Discoloration of the skin is a temporary condition and will disappear over time after the medication has been stopped.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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Summary

Clofazimine (Lamprene) is an anti-leprosy drug often taken in combination with other drugs. Side effects include

nausea,
vomiting,
skin discoloration,
increased sensitivity to light, and
others.

Learn more about the side effects, uses, dosage and pregnancy safety information for this Hansen's disease drug.

Related Disease Conditions

Leprosy

Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a disfiguring disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium leprae bacteria. The disease is spread from person to person through nasal secretions or droplets. Symptoms and signs of leprosy include numbness, loss of temperature sensation, painless ulcers, eye damage, loss of digits, and facial disfigurement. Leprosy is treated with antibiotics and the dosage and length of time of administration depends upon which form of leprosy the patient has.

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Lamprene

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