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Home > Drug Category > Acne Medication > Aczone and Equivalent

Aczone Information

Aczone (dapsone) is a topical medication used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. It is available as a gel in strengths such as 5% and 7.5%. The exact mechanism of action for topical dapsone in treating acne is not fully known. However, it is believed to work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne and by its anti-inflammatory properties. Aczone is applied directly to the skin and is intended for external use only.

Aczone Side Effects

The most common side effects of Aczone include application site reactions such as dryness, redness (erythema), oily skin, and peeling. These effects are often mild and may improve as your skin gets used to the medication. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions: Signs include a rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Anemia (Hemolytic anemia): This is a breakdown of red blood cells. Symptoms may include back pain, dark brown urine, shortness of breath, fever, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow or pale skin. This is more likely to occur in people with a condition called Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• Methemoglobinemia: This is a severe blood disorder where a type of abnormal red blood cell prevents oxygen from being delivered to your body. Stop using Aczone immediately and seek medical help if your lips, nail beds, or the inside of your mouth turn gray or blue.
• Severe skin reactions: Although rare with the topical form, if you experience fever, blistering, redness, or peeling of the skin, stop using the medication and contact your doctor.

Aczone Precautions

Do not use Aczone if you are allergic to dapsone or any of its ingredients. Aczone is for topical use only and should not be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. Inform your doctor if you have a history of G6PD deficiency or methemoglobinemia, as these conditions may increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and herbal supplements. Some drugs may interact with Aczone. For example, using topical benzoyl peroxide at the same time as Aczone may cause temporary yellow or orange discoloration of the skin and facial hair at the application site. The use of certain other medications, such as oral dapsone or certain antimalarial drugs, may increase the potential for hemolytic reactions.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Studies on topical dapsone during pregnancy are limited; however, oral dapsone has been associated with hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia in the fetus or neonate. Aczone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The medication may pass into breast milk, and due to the potential for severe adverse reactions in the infant, a decision should be made to either stop nursing or discontinue the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Use Aczone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. After gently washing and patting your skin dry, apply a pea-sized amount of the gel in a thin layer to the affected areas, gently rubbing it in completely. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the medication. Aczone is typically applied once daily. If you do not see improvement after 12 weeks of treatment, consult your doctor. Store Aczone at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Aczone?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Aczone.