Are there any side effects associated with taking Dapsone?

Hello,

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I understand your concern. Dapsone works well in dermatitis herpetiformis. It is the drug of choice for this condition. It usually starts working within 48 hours, so the results are excellent and almost miraculous, as you mentioned in your experience. In practice, Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome is quite rare. Dapsone is one of the drugs used for leprosy, too, and we treat many leprosy patients without this syndrome. The incidence of it is 0.5 %. So, there is no point worrying about a condition so rare. But there is no harm in being vigilant and aware of its possible side effects. This syndrome is a form of delayed type of hypersensitivity reaction, and usually, the time between the starting of the drug and the onset of this syndrome is 4 to 6 weeks. It is characterized by a triad of fever, skin rash, and lymphadenopathy. And, no, it cannot be prevented by any drug if one has to develop it. If a person is already on antihistamines or steroids, it can mask the symptoms like rash and itching but cannot prevent the condition. But, no need to worry a lot about it. You can visit your physician for any symptoms like fever or skin rash. But that is extremely unlikely.