Clofazimine (50mg)

Clofazimine (50mg) — Uses and Benefits

Clofazimine is used mainly for the treatment of leprosy (Hansen's disease), usually combined with other antileprosy medicines.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of multibacillary leprosy as part of multi-drug therapy
• Control of leprosy reactions such as erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL)
• Sometimes used off-label for certain drug-resistant mycobacterial skin infections, only as advised by a specialist

HOW IT WORKS

• Binds to the bacterial DNA and blocks its ability to multiply
• Has anti-inflammatory action that helps reduce skin nodules and reactions seen in leprosy
• Accumulates in skin and fatty tissue, giving long-lasting antibacterial effect

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for common bacterial infections like throat or urinary infections
• Not a treatment for viral infections such as cold or flu
• Not used for tuberculosis as a first-line drug
• Not for self-treatment of any skin discoloration or rash without a doctor's diagnosis

How to Use Clofazimine (50mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily or as directed with meals
• Swallow the capsule/tablet whole with water; taking it with food reduces stomach upset
• Do not stop the medicine early even if symptoms improve, as leprosy treatment needs a long course
• Continue taking other medicines in your multi-drug therapy regimen along with this one, as advised

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• If you miss several doses, inform your doctor rather than adjusting the dose yourself

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep in the original container, tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack

Clofazimine (50mg) — Side Effects

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Reddish-brown to black discoloration of skin, especially in sun-exposed areas
• Dryness and scaling of skin
• Stomach pain, nausea
• Discoloration of urine, sweat, and tears (pink to red)

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea
• Itching

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe abdominal pain, especially with vomiting or bloating (may indicate bowel problems)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of face, lips, or difficulty breathing
• Severe, persistent diarrhoea
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

Clofazimine (50mg) — Safety Information and Precautions

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription in India.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to clofazimine or any ingredient in the formulation
• Have unexplained persistent abdominal pain or bowel disease without medical evaluation

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a history of stomach or bowel problems
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Are taking other medicines for leprosy or any other long-term medicines

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Rifampicin, as it may affect blood levels of clofazimine
• Dapsone and other antileprosy drugs used together, requiring monitoring
• Drugs that prolong QT interval on ECG, use only under medical supervision
• Any other new medicine, herbal product, or supplement, always inform your doctor first

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will my skin colour go back to normal after stopping the medicine?

Yes, the brownish or reddish skin discoloration usually fades gradually over several months to years after stopping treatment.

Can I take this medicine with food?

Yes, taking it with meals is recommended as it improves absorption and reduces stomach upset.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• Duration depends on the type of leprosy and response to treatment, and can range from many months to a couple of years as decided by your doctor.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.