lamprene
Pharmaranks rates Lamprene 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Lamprene (Clofazimine) is a medication used to treat Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare Infection, Borderline Leprosy, Lepromatous Leprosy, Pyoderma Gangrenosum.
Clofazimine · by Novartis
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Clofazimine
- Form
- Capsule
- Strength
- Clofazimine 100MG · Clofazimine 50MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, borderline leprosy, lepromatous leprosy
- Manufacturer
- Novartis
- FDA application
- NDA019500
- Availability
- Discontinued (per FDA)
What is Lamprene?
From the FDA label:LAMPRENE (clofazimine) is an antimycobacterial available as soft gelatin capsules for oral administration. Each capsule contains 50 mg of micronized clofazimine suspended in an oil-wax base. Clofazimine is a substituted iminophenazine bright-red dye. Its chemical name is 3-(p-chloroanilino)-10-(p-chlorophenyl)-2, 10-dihydro-2-isopropyliminophenazine, and its structural formula is Clofazimine is a reddish-brown powder. It is slightly soluble in acetic acid, dimethylformamide, chloroform and ether; very slightly soluble in ethanol and acetonitrile; soluble in methylene chloride. Its molecular weight is 473.4 g/mol. Its molecular formula is C 27 H 22 C l2 N 4 . The Inactive Ingredients Capsules fill: Anhydrous citric acid, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil, Hydrogenated soybean oil, Lecithin, Partially hydrogenated soybean oil, Propylene glycol, Yellow wax. Capsule Shells Contain: Ethyl vanillin, Ethylparaben sodium, Gelatin, Glycerol 85%, Iron oxide black slurry with glycerol 85%, Iron oxide red slurry with glycerol 85%, p-methoxy acetophenone, Propylparaben sodium, Purified water. The structural formula of LAMPRENE.
How to use
For dapsone-sensitive lepromatous leprosy, 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) daily with meals as a part of a combination regimen for at least 2 years is recommended. ( 2.1 ) For dapsone-resistant lepromatous leprosy, 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) daily with meals in combination with one or more other agents for 3 years. ( 2.1 ) For lepromatous leprosy complicated by erythema nodosum leprosum, 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) to 200 mg (four 50 mg capsules) daily for up to 3 months. Taper dose to 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) as quickly as possible. (2.1 ) 2.1 Dosage Dapsone-sensitive Lepromatous (multibacillary) Leprosy Administer 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) of LAMPRENE daily with meals in combination with two other anti-leprosy drugs for at least 2 years and if possible, until negative skin smears are obtained, followed by monotherapy with an appropriate anti-leprosy drug. Dapsone-resistant Lepromatous Leprosy Administer 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) of LAMPRENE daily with meals in combination with one or more other anti-leprosy drugs for 3 years, followed by monotherapy with 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) of LAMPRENE daily. Lepromatous Leprosy complicated by Erythema Nodosum Leprosum Reactions Administer LAMPRENE at 100 mg (two 50 mg capsules) to 200 mg (four 50 mg capsules) daily, in conjunction with baseline anti-leprosy treatment and steroids as clinically indicated. If LAMPRENE is…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Abdominal Obstruction and Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Skin and Body Fluid Discoloration and Other Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Psychological Effects of Skin Discoloration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of LAMPRENE were identified. Because these adverse reactions are reported from different studies, these adverse reactions cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions Occurring In More Than 1% of Patients Skin : Pigmentation from pink to brownish-black in 75% to 100% of the patients within a few weeks of treatment; ichthyosis and dryness (8% to 28%); rash and pruritus (1% to 5%). Gastrointestinal : Abdominal and epigastric pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal intolerance (40% to 50%). Ocular : Diminished vision, conjunctival and corneal pigmentation due to clofazimine crystal deposits; dryness; burning; itching; irritation. Other : Discoloration of urine, feces, sputum, sweat; elevated blood sugar; elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Adverse Reactions Occurring In Less…
Warnings
Important safety information
Abdominal obstruction and other gastrointestinal adverse reactions: LAMPRENE may deposit in intestinal mucosa causing intestinal disturbances, including abdominal obstruction, bleeding, splenic infarction and death. Reduce dose or discontinue LAMPRENE if patient complains of pain in abdomen or other gastrointestinal symptoms. ( 5.1 ) QT prolongation: QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes may occur with LAMPRENE. Concomitant use with other QT prolonging drugs or bedaquiline may cause additive QT prolongation. Monitor ECGs and discontinue LAMPRENE if significant ventricular arrhythmia or QTcF interval greater than or equal to 500 ms develop. ( 5.2 ) Skin and body fluid discoloration and other skin reactions: Advise patients that skin and body fluid discoloration frequently occur with use of LAMPRENE. ( 5.3 ) Depression and suicide due to skin discoloration. Monitor patients for psychological effects of skin discoloration. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Abdominal Obstruction and Other Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions Clofazimine may accumulate in various organs as crystals, including the mesenteric lymph nodes and histiocytes at the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa, spleen and liver. Deposition in the intestinal mucosa may lead to intestinal obstruction that may necessitate exploratory laparotomy. Splenic infarction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and death have been reported. If a patient complains of pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, initiate appropriate medical investigations and reduce the daily dose of LAMPRENE, or increase the dosing interval or discontinue the drug. Doses of LAMPRENE of more than 100 mg daily should be given for as short a period as possible (less than 3 months) and only under close medical supervision. 5.2 QT Prolongation Cases of Torsade de Pointes with QT prolongation have been reported in patients receiving dosage regimens containing higher than 100 mg daily dose of LAMPRENE or in combination with QT prolonging medications. For QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes cases, the patient must remain under medical surveillance. In all these patients, monitor electrocardiograms (ECGs) for QT prolongation and cardiac rhythm disturbances [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Drug Interactions (7.1)] . QT prolongation has also been reported in patients who were receiving concomitant LAMPRENE and bedaquiline at the recommended dosages. Monitor ECGs in patients taking LAMPRENE and bedaquiline concomitantly, and discontinue LAMPRENE if clinically significant ventricular arrhythmia is noted or if the QTcF interval is 500 ms or greater. If syncope occurs, obtain an ECG to detect QT prolongation. 5.3 Skin and Body Fluid Discoloration and Other Skin Reactions LAMPRENE causes orange-pink to brownish-black discoloration of the skin, as well as discoloration of the conjunctivae, tears, sweat, sputum, urine and feces in 75%-100% of patients. Advise patients that skin discoloration is likely to occur and that it may take several months or years to reverse after the conclusion of therapy. Other skin reactions associated with LAMPRENE therapy include ichthyosis, dry skin, and pruritus. 5.4 Psychological Effects of Skin Discoloration Skin discoloration due to LAMPRENE therapy has been reported to result in depression and suicide. Advise patients regarding skin discoloration and monitor for depression or suicidal ideation during LAMPRENE therapy.
Who should not take Lamprene
LAMPRENE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to clofazimine or any of the excipients of LAMPRENE. Known hypersensitivity to clofazimine or to any of the excipients of LAMPRENE. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
No specific data are available on the treatment of over dosage with LAMPRENE. However, in case of overdose, the stomach should be emptied by inducing vomiting or by gastric lavage, and supportive symptomatic treatment should be employed.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Substrates of CYP3A4/5: Monitor for toxicities when used concomitantly with LAMPRENE. 7.1 Effect of LAMPRENE on Substrates of CYP3A Concomitant use of LAMPRENE may increase concentrations of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4/5 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] which may increase the risk of toxicity of these drugs. Monitor for toxicities of these drugs when used concomitantly with LAMPRENE. 7.2 Drugs that Prolong QT Interval QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported in patients receiving LAMPRENE in combination with QT prolonging medications, such as bedaquiline. Monitor ECGs for QT prolongation when LAMPRENE is administered with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] .
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
- mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection
- borderline leprosy
- lepromatous leprosy
- pyoderma gangrenosum
Dosage forms
Capsule
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Lamprene treat?
- Lamprene (Clofazimine) may be used to treat mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection, borderline leprosy, lepromatous leprosy, pyoderma gangrenosum, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Lamprene rated?
- pharmaranks gives Lamprene a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Lamprene?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Lamprene. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Lamprene?
- Lamprene is marketed by Novartis. You can see Novartis's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Lamprene a brand-name or generic drug?
- Lamprene is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Clofazimine.
- Is Lamprene available over the counter?
- No. Lamprene is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Lamprene come in?
- Lamprene is currently marketed as capsule, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Lamprene FDA-registered?
- Lamprene is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019500. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Lamprene been recalled by the FDA?
- Lamprene has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Lamprene safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Lamprene a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Lamprene?
- Lamprene's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Abdominal Obstruction and Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] QT Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Skin and Body Fluid Discoloration and Othe… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
What people report to the FDA about CLOFAZIMINE
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 5,551 reports naming CLOFAZIMINE — the active ingredient in Lamprene, and the FDA flagged 90% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- electrocardiogram qt prolonged667 reports
- anaemia458 reports
- nausea458 reports
- vomiting447 reports
- neuropathy peripheral358 reports
- dyspnoea289 reports
- drug resistance261 reports
- diarrhoea221 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean CLOFAZIMINE caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
People also viewed
Compare Lamprene head-to-head
Browse medications A–Z
Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.
lamprene
70/100