Acne is a really annoying thing, isn't it? It can be very embarrassing, especially when you're young. Dapsone gel is a medication that doctors prescribe to control acne. You may have come across this medication under the brand name `Aczone`. So today, let's talk about what Dapsone gel is, how to use it properly, and what you need to be careful about.
What is Dapsone Gel?
Simply put, Dapsone is a medication that kills or stops the growth of acne-causing bacteria on your skin. It comes as a gel that you apply to the skin. It is used to treat acne. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe it for other skin conditions. So it is important to always listen to what your doctor says.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing Dapsone gel to you, your doctor will want to know about your health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Anemia: If you have anemia, or a lack of blood in the body.
- Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency: This is a genetic condition. People with this condition can be at risk for the breakdown of red blood cells due to certain medications. If you know you have this condition, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Dapsone, sulfa medications, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or are hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
It is very important for your safety to give this information to the doctor.
How exactly do you use this?
The best results can be achieved by knowing exactly how to use this medicine.
- For topical use only: This is a topical medication. Do not take it by mouth (drink) for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Do not let it get into your eyes: If this gets into your eyes, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Correct amount: As the doctor said, apply a thin film only to the areas where the acne is. Applying too much will not heal the skin faster, and may increase dryness and redness.
- On time:Try to take the medicine at the same time every day.
- Complete the course: You may think that you can stop taking the medicine when your acne has subsided a little. But don't do that. Continue using it for the full duration prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, your acne may return. Only stop taking it early if your doctor tells you to.
- For children: Children may need special care when using this. Talk to your doctor about this.
Warning: This medicine is for you only. Even if your friends or family members have acne, do not give them your medicine without the advice of a doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
While using this medicine, it's a good idea to pay attention to changes in your body.
- Results take time: Acne won't improve immediately after applying this medicine. You may not see a significant difference for several weeks. So be patient and continue using it.
- Other acne medications: Using other acne products with this one may increase skin dryness and redness. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are using.
- Methemoglobinemia: This is a rare condition, but it's important to be aware of it. If you notice your lips, mouth, or fingernails turning blue or gray , stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor. This is a condition in which the blood's ability to carry oxygen decreases.
- G6PD deficiency and anemia: This medication can cause anemia in people with the G6PD deficiency we discussed earlier. If you experience shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, paleness, or fainting , stop taking the medication immediately and see your doctor.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Dapsone gel can cause side effects in some people. Most of them are not serious. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of methemoglobinemia | Headache, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue/gray skin or lips. |
| Severe skin reactions | Severe burning, itching, peeling, or crusting of the skin where the medicine was applied. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin changes | Mild dryness, redness, or slight itching of the skin where the medicine was applied. |
How do you store medicine properly?
- Keep away from children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Room temperature: Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect from freezing or extreme heat.
- Light and moisture: Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keeping it in the bathroom is not a good idea.
- After expiration: Throw away any medicine left after the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Dapsone gel is a topical medication used to treat acne. Always use it as directed by your doctor.
- This is for skin application only. Never take it by mouth.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially anemia, G6PD deficiency) and allergies before using the medication.
- If your lips or fingernails turn blue/gray, you experience extreme fatigue or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek medical advice.
- It takes time to see results, so be patient and use the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Eluxadoline / Viberzi tablets used for?
This is not a medicine for ordinary diarrhea! This is a very powerful modern medicine (Mixed opioid receptor modulator) that allows patients with severe 'IBS-D' (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea), that is, patients who have ongoing diarrhea along with stomach pain (especially when other medicines do not work well), to control both stomach pain and diarrhea at the same time!
💬 How does this medicine (Eluxadoline) go into the intestines and stop the stomach from going into spasms?
The biggest magic of this is that it works on all 3 receptors (Mu, Delta, Kappa) at once! When it enters the stomach (as a Mu agonist), it slows down the intestinal motility and stops diarrhea. On the other hand (as a Delta antagonist), it reduces the sensitivity of the nerves in the intestines and eliminates stomach pain 100%. The combination of these three brings the patient back to normal.
💬 What are the fatal dangers to watch out for when taking this intestinal medicine (Viberzi)?
The most dangerous danger of this is that it can cause 'Severe Pancreatitis and Sphincter of Oddi spasm'! Especially if your 'Patients without a gallbladder' has been removed or you are an alcoholic, after taking this pill, the pancreas can burst and cause severe stomach pain, hospitalization or death! (That's why they are forbidden to drink it).
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