DapsoneDapsone® belongs to the family of medicines called anti-infectives. It is used to treat certain skin conditions, including leprosy (Hansen's disease). In certain cases it is used to treat pemphigus. However, most experts would agree that Dapsone®, in most cases, should only be used when a patient is in good control of their disease, and as a steroid-sparing drug with low doses of prednisone. Side Effects & PrecautionsThe most common side-effects of Dapsone® are sore throat, fever, purpura (low platelet count), impaired liver function, anemia, nausea, insomnia, fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, possible psychiatric disorders. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: sore throat, fever, rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual bruising. Related WebsitesIVIgIntravenous ImmunoGlobulin (IVIG) therapy is prepared from extracting the plasma in human blood. It can take up to 2000 blood donors to make one round of treatment for a patient with pemphigus. Manufacturers make IVIG using several different methods during the manufacturing process to help provide a safe product. Donors are screened for HIV and Hepatitis viruses (B and C) so that patients can be assured that the risk of getting these diseases is reduced. Most products on the market worldwide also go through at least one viral inactivation step in order to kill any remaining active viruses in the unlikely event one is present after the manufacturing process. IVIg is administered intravenously over several hours to reduce the risk of any serious side effects. The course of treatment will depend on the severity of disease. Side Effects & PrecautionsPotential side effects are headaches, nausea, stomach aches, high blood pressure, and stroke. Related WebsitesGold Salts - Injectable gold salts (Myochrysine, Solganal)The gold compounds are generally used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. They are not used very much anymore. Side Effects & PrecautionsSide effects include kidney problems, cutaneous or pulmonary hypersensitivity. Gold stays in the system and may not leave the body once introduced. Hydroxycholroquine (Plaquenil®)Plaquenil® is used to prevent and treat malaria. It also is used in treating certain kinds of liver disease. It can help relieve inflammation, and swelling. There is some evidence that it can be helpful with some patients with pemphigus foliaceus. Side Effects & PrecautionsIndigestion, which should be helped by taking the medication with food; diarrhea, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears); skin rashes can occur; eye changes can occur, avoid becoming pregnant. Related WebsiteLukeranThis medicine is an alkylating agent used to treat certain cancers. Tetracycline, Minocycline and DoxycyclineTetracycline, Minocycline (also known as Minocin) or Doxycycline are antibiotics. They are used to fight infections. Some doctors have found that Minocycline may work better than Tetracycline (with Niacinamide) in patients with pemphigus and pemphigoid. These drugs seem to show better results in bullous pemphigoid patients. Side Effects & PrecautionsSide effects are uncommon, but it can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness. It is recommended that one stay out of the sun. Related WebsitesNiacinamideNiacinamide is a derivative of Niacin and a water-soluble B Vitamin. It is used to treat Pellagra (a deficiency of Niacin). It is often used in conjunction with one of the cycline drugs to treat pemphigoid and pemphigus. Side Effects & PrecautionsItching, nausea, abdominal cramps. May cause hyperglycemia, not recommended for patients with gallbladder disease, jaundice or any other type of liver disease. Related Websites
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