Are You Aware You Take Medication To Treat Leprosy?

Health/ Health Reference

As my Endocrinologist looks through my recent medication list he asks me if I am aware that my latest medication treats Leprosy?

I laugh, yes.

So you are aware of what Dapsone was first used to treat? My doctor inquires.

Yes, I smile and continue to say, I know that Dapsone is a prescription medication that has been around for decades and was used to fight leprosy.

I go on to vent, that similar to leprosy I have a chronic illness that is eating away the cartilage inside my body.

I question my Endocrinologist if he has a better option?

He does not answer my question and goes on to inquire if I feel the Low Dose Naltrexone is still beneficial.

I think so, is my reply.

My Endocrinologist and I go through the results of my recent lab tests.

Fifteen minutes pass, and the doctor’s nurse reminds him that he has other patients waiting.

Half jokingly I tell the nurse I have numerous questions for the doctor and that I am not at a drive through.

I usually would not make a drive through comment but I am older, bolder and I have known this doctor for almost two decades.

My appointment wraps up, and I am off to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions.

As I pay the kind-hearted pharmacist for my Dapsone prescription, he inquires if I am aware of the dangers the Dapsone.

I reply, yes.

I go to tell my pharmacist that I may be able to increase my steroids and take a lower dose of Dapsone.

I then ask the pharmacist what he thinks?

He quickly replies take the Dapsone.

So, I swallow my Dapsone medication daily.

Does Dapsone Work For Me 

I do not know if Dapsone works for me.

I am still having breakouts of Relapsing Polychondritis flares. I can feel the tug a war within cartilage beneath my ribcages. It is very likely that my rib cartilage is being destroyed.

However, with little options, I continue to include Dapsone on my medication list to combat Relapsing Polychondritis.

About Dapsone (Health Reference)

Dapsone belongs to a class of drugs known as sulfones. It works by decreasing swelling (inflammation) and stopping the growth of bacteria.

Dapsone is shown to be an effective medication for the treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin condition) and leprosy (Hansen’s disease).

Dapsone has medical uses than those listed in numerous medication guides.

GlaxoSmithKline uses a combination of Dapsone and Chlorproguanil to create Lapdap.

Lapdap is a low-cost antimalarial drug.

Is Dapsone Safe?

As with most medications, there can be serious side effects.

Side Effects of Dapsone

• Agranulocytosis; lowered white blood cell count. It may make it difficult for the body to fight infections.

• Induce Methemoglobinemia; is a blood disorder in which an abnormal amount of methemoglobin is produced. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries and distributes oxygen to the body
• Gastrointestinal; includes mild nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains.

• Hepatic; causes an increase of elevations in liver function tests. There are rare case reports of hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice.

• Other Side Effects of Dapsone; includes “dapsone syndrome.” The “dapsone syndrome” manifests by viral illness-like symptoms (fever, chills, myalgias, exanthema, lymphadenopathy, edema, lymphocytosis) elevations of liver function tests, methemoglobinemia, and anemia.

My Dapsone Side Effects

I am tired. I do not know if Dapsone causes additional fatigue to my already worn out body.

I do know the first month I took Dapsone I experienced numerous bouts of nausea. Countless days I felt like I was going to vomit.

I believe the Dapsone continues to my G.I. aliments. However, it is worth the trade-off if the drug combats my Relapsing Polychondritis.

For now, Dapsone is on my medication list.

I hope you have found this HypoGal’s Health Reference Blog, Are You Aware You Take Medication To Treat Leprosy? insightful.

 

Health Reference/ Resources:

https://www.drugs.com/sfx/dapsone-side-effects.html

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6744/dapsone-oral/details

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dapsone

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dapsone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063327

 

You may also find the following health references helpful:

What Is Low Dose Naltrexone?

How To Find Free Prescriptions and Discounted Medication

How To Make HypoGal’s Best Anti-Inflammatory Treatment Turmeric Ginger Tea

 

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