Aczone Side Effects

Generic name: dapsone topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 18, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Aczone Side Effects associated with dapsone topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Aczone.

Applies to dapsone topical: topical gel/jelly.

Common side effects of Aczone

Some side effects of dapsone topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• dryness, redness, oiliness, or peeling at the application site

Serious side effects of Aczone

Along with its needed effects, dapsone topical (the active ingredient contained in Aczone) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dapsone topical:

Incidence not known

• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• dark urine
• difficult breathing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• fever
• headache
• pale skin
• rapid heart rate
• sore throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dapsone topical: topical gel.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Postmarketing reports: Rash (including erythematous rash, application site rash), facial swelling (including lip swelling, eye swelling)

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, morbilliform and scarlatiniform reactions, bullous and exfoliative dermatitis, erythema nodosum, urticaria)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, severe vomiting, pancreatitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Methemoglobinemia

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Local stinging/burning (up to 23.5%), application site reaction (not otherwise specified [NOS]; 18%), local dryness (up to 17.7%), application site dryness (up to 16%), application site erythema (up to 13%), application site oiliness/peeling (up to 13%), local scaling (up to 12.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Local erythema, application site burning, application site pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site pain^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Joint sprain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache NOS
• Frequency not reported: Tonic clonic movements

Oral Dapsone:

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral neuropathy (motor loss and muscle weakness)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Uncommon: Depression
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Psychosis
• Frequency not reported: Suicide attempt^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection NOS, sinusitis NOS, pharyngitis, cough, influenza
• Frequency not reported: Severe pharyngitis^[Ref]

Further information

Aczone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer