What does it do?

Clofazimine is used to treat some forms of leprosy. It is also sometimes used for other conditions.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have bowel problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take clofazimine regularly as directed with food and a glass of water.
Keep taking clofazimine until the course is finished, even when you start to feel better.

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If you are taking clofazimine in a combination pack with dapsone and rifampicin and you forget a dose, contact your health professional for further advice.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Abdominal pain	This may occasionally be serious; tell your doctor immediately
Change in skin and eye colour (pink, red, brown, black)	Will return to normal after you stop taking it, but can take several months or years
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea Itching, skin rash Dry eyes	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Dry skin	Moisturise your skin regularly and tell your doctor if troublesome
Change in colour (pink, red, brown, black) of bowel motions and body fluids (e.g. tears, sweat, saliva)	This is harmless

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with clofazimine. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
• Clofazimine may stain contact lenses. Consider wearing glasses instead.
• Do not stop taking clofazimine without talking to your doctor first.
• Clofazimine is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.