Aczone
(dapsone)
Treats acne.
Our bottom line
Aczone (dapsone) is a highly safe and effective topical treatment for moderate to severe forms of acne, but may be expensive.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Topical application is safe and easy.
- Works well with minimal side effects.
- Once or twice-daily dosing is available for administration that fits your schedule.
What to expect from Aczone, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Aczone (dapsone) may not be right for you if you take certain medications or have certain blood conditions.
- No generic available so it may be expensive.
- Results may take up to 12 weeks to be noticed.
What to expect from Aczone, on one page
Download Fact SheetAczone (dapsone) is an antibiotic. It is unknown how it helps with acne, but it likely lowers the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Drug class: Dermatologic
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Gel
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Pay as low as$21.95Retail priceRetail priceLearn more- CostcoGet free coupon$27.50
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$27.95
What to expect when you take Aczone (dapsone) for Acne
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Application site irritation
- Head cold
- Headache
- Cough
Side effect rates for Aczone (dapsone)
- Application site reaction18%18%20%20%
- Application site dryness16%16%17%17%
- Mild skin dryness14%14%14%14%
- Mild oiliness or peeling13%13%15%15%
- Application site redness13%13%14%14%
- Mild skin irritation9%9%9%9%
- Moderate oiliness or peeling6%6%6%6%
- Moderate skin irritation5%5%6%6%
- Stuffy nose and throat5%5%6%6%
- Headache4%4%4%4%
- Moderate skin dryness3%3%4%4%
- Head cold3%3%3%3%
- Swollen sinuses2%2%1%1%
- Throat swelling2%2%2%2%
- Cough2%2%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Aczone.
People taking Aczone felt side effect more
People taking Aczone felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Aczone (dapsone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › G6PD deficiency
- › Congenital or Idiopathic methemoglobinemia
- › Other methemoglobin-inducing agents
Aczone (dapsone) may cause a rare condition called methemoglobinemia, which will result in lowering of your red blood cell count. This condition is more likely if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in your red blood cells. Seek medical help immediately if you notice your lips or nails turning blue.