Clofazimine (By mouth)
kloe-FAZ-i-meen
Treats leprosy (a skin disorder also called Hansen’s disease) and other kinds of infections.
Drug classes
Leprostatic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Clofazimine is taken to treat leprosy (Hansen’s disease). It is sometimes given with other medicines for leprosy. When this medicine is used to treat “flare-ups” of leprosy, it may be given with a cortisone-like medicine. Clofazimine may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
Take this medicine with food to help avoid an upset stomach.
This medicine should be taken on a regular schedule. Keep taking the medicine for as long as your doctor ordered. If you are taking the medicine for leprosy, you may need to take it for about 3 years.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the capsules at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clofazimine.
Warnings
This medicine may turn your skin pink, red, or brownish-black. After you stop taking the medicine, your skin color should change back to its regular color, but this may take months or years. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.
Clofazimine may also turn your sweat, tears, spit, urine, bowel movements, and the whites of your eyes red or brownish-black.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. This medicine taken during a pregnancy may cause a baby’s skin to change color. The baby’s skin may change back to its regular color after about a year.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have stomach or bowel problems (such as diarrhea, colitis, or severe stomach pain) before taking clofazimine.
This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight and cause a rash or sunburn. Try to avoid being in direct sunlight for long periods. Protect your skin with clothing and a strong sunscreen when outside. Avoid tanning booths or sunlamps.
If the medicine makes your skin rough or dry, try using oil or lotion on your skin.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Bloody or black bowel movements
Yellowing of your skin or eyes
Severe stomach pain, cramps, or burning
Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Depressed mood or thoughts of hurting yourself
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry scaly skin
Upset stomach
Changes in the color of your skin, eyes, urine, sweat, spit, or tears
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lamprene
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
