Lamprene

Generic Name: Clofazimine
US Brand Name: Lamprene

Uses

Clofazimine is indicated in the treatment of lepromatous leprosy, including dapsone-resistant lepromatous leprosy and lepromatous leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum. Clofazimine has not been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of other leprosy-associated inflammatory reactions.

Active Ingredients: Clofazimine
Inactive Ingredients: Beeswax, butylated hydroxytoluene, citric acid, ethyl vanillin, gelatin, glycerin, iron oxide, lecithin, p-methoxy acetophenone, parabens, plant oils, propylene glycol.

Dosage and Forms

Clofazimine, is an antileprosy agent available as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. It is best to take Clofazimine with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your health care professional even if you think your condition is better. This can take up to three years.

Side Effects

Clofazimine like many other medicines may cause 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.

Interactions

Do not take Clofazimine if you are taking Dapsone Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works.

Additional Information

Clofazimine may cause pink or red to brownish-black discoloration of the skin within a few weeks after you start taking it. Because of the skin discoloration, some patients may become depressed. The discoloration will go away when you stop taking this medicine. However, it may take several months or years for the skin to clear up completely. If skin discoloration causes you to feel very depressed or to have thoughts of suicide, check with your doctor immediately.