A review of side-effects experienced by patients taking clofazimine

The incidence of specific side-effects experienced by 65 patients taking clofazimine was assessed.All but one had suffered side-effects; skin and conjunctival pigmentation being the commonest.Abdominal pain was a com plaint in one-third of the patients.The 57 patients who were still taking clofazimine were divided into 2 groups according to dosage.The incidence of side-effects was similar in both groups.The average times of onset of the side-effects since starting clofazimine, in all instances, were greater in the lower dosage group.The possible significance of this is discussed.Eight patients who had discontinued clofazimine therapy were seen.The disappearance of the side-effects was, in the majority of cases, 6 months or more after stopping therapy.The difficulties associated with assessing dimness of vision and time intervals retrospectively were discussed.No patients had stopped clofazimine due to side-effects.Five patients expressed dislike of the side-effects, 3 of which were in the lower dosage group.One patient asked for an increase in dosage to control an ENL reaction.The tolerance of side-effects, in general, was very good.No patients suffered serious adverse reactions.