Dapsone is an antiinfective medication.

Dapsone is used in the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition) and leprosy (Hansen's disease).

Dapsone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

In rare cases, dapsone has been associated with serious, and sometimes fatal blood and liver problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a sore throat, fever, pale skin, bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These may be symptoms of blood or liver problems.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a rash while taking dapsone. In rare cases, dapsone has been associated with serious, and sometimes fatal, skin reactions.

Do not take dapsone without first talking to your doctor if you have

• glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• methemoglobin reductase deficiency (hemoglobin M); or

• liver disease.

You may not be able to take dapsone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dapsone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take dapsone without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Dapsone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take dapsone without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.