Lamprene (Clofazamine)

Lamprene (clofazimine) is a drug used to treat leprosy (Hansen’s disease). It is usually taken along with rifampicin and dapsone to treat more severe cases of leprosy, and it is especially useful when the bacteria no longer respond well to dapsone or for managing a painful inflammatory reaction called erythema nodosum leprosum. While it helps control the bacteria that cause leprosy, how it works isn’t fully understood. Clofazimine is a red-colored compound, which explains the drug’s bright red appearance.

Directions

Lamprene is typically taken by mouth with meals as part of a combination treatment. The standard dosages are as follows but should always be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

• Dapsone-sensitive lepromatous leprosy: Take 100 mg once daily with food, together with other leprosy medicines, for at least 2 years.
• Dapsone-resistant lepromatous leprosy: Take 100 mg once daily with food, along with one or more other medications, for about 3 years.
• Lepromatous leprosy with erythema nodosum leprosum: Take 100 to 200 mg daily for up to 3 months, then reduce the dose to 100 mg per day as soon as possible, as directed by a doctor.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Lamprene is clofazimine.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Lamprene can build up in the digestive tract and other organs over time, which may cause serious bowel problems such as intestinal blockage, bleeding, or, in rare cases, death.
• Higher daily doses should only be used for short periods and under close medical supervision to reduce the risk of serious gastrointestinal problems.
• Lamprene may affect the heart's electrical rhythm and cause a dangerous heart rhythm problem, especially at higher doses or when combined with certain other medications. Heart monitoring may be needed during treatment, and the medication may be stopped if serious rhythm changes or fainting occur.
• Most people taking Lamprene develop skin color changes ranging from orange-pink to dark brown or black, and body fluids like sweat, tears, urine, and stool may also change color. Skin discoloration is expected and may take months or even years to fade after treatment ends.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Known hypersensitivity to clofazimine
• Allergic reaction to any other ingredients in Lamprene

Side Effects

Common side effects of Lamprene include:

• Skin discoloration (pink to brownish-black)
• Dry skin or scaling
• Abdominal pain or stomach discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Discoloration of body fluids (urine, sweat, and sputum)

More serious side effects are less common but can include bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation), and eye problems such as vision changes or retinal damage. Mood changes, including depression related to skin discoloration, have also been reported. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, vision changes, irregular heartbeat, or severe mood changes.