Lamprene

1 What is Lamprene?

Brand: Lamprene

Generic: Clofazimine

Lamprene is a fat-soluble iminophenazine dye used in combination with rifampicin and dapsone as multidrug therapy for the treatment of leprosy. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before taking Lamprene, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. There are no specific data comparing use of clofazimine in children and elderly with use in other age groups.

 It is still unknown whether these drugs work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. 

Studies have not determined any infant risk when taking this drug during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding. 

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as Bedaquiline, Aluminum Hydroxide, Fosphenytoin, Magnesium Hydroxide, or Phenytoin. 

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with magnesium is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as liver disease, stomach or intestinal problems.

3 Proper Usage

To use Lamprene properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

This drug should be taken with meals or milk. Take this drug for the full time of treatment to ensure complete drug therapy and prevent any relapses. The treatment can last for as long as 2 years to life. 

This drug works optimally when constant levels are maintained in the. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. 

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults and teenagers with leprosy are given 50 to 100 milligrams once a day. This drug must be taken along with other drugs for the combination treatment of Hansen's disease. 

Dose for children must be determined by a healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. 

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Lamprene, there are some precautions you must take.

Consult with your healthcare professional if your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse in 1 to 3 months. The full effects of this may take up to 6 months to be noticed. This drug may cause pink or red to brownish-black discoloration of the skin within a few weeks after you start taking it. 

This effect will disappear after you stop taking this drug. It may take several months or years for the skin to clear up completely. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or reduced normal alertness. 

Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous. This may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight which may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or severe sunburn

Stay out of direct sunlight when taking this drug, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Wear protective clothing and apply a sun block with at least SPF 15. Consult with your healthcare professional immediately if you have a severe reaction, dry, rough, or scaly skin.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Lamprene.

Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur. 

Inform you healthcare provider immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

  • black, tarry stools 
  • discoloration of the feces
  • lining of the eyelids
  • sputum
  • sweat
  • tears
  • urine

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects will eventually disappear as your body adjusts to the drug. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. 

If any of the following side effects persists, or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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