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Leprosy Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Leprosy Treatment - eMedicineHealth

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April 12, 2015

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Leprosy Overview

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Leprosy is a curable disease using the

highly effective MDT (multidrug therapy).

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Leprosy
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In 1981, a World Health Organization

Study Group recommended multidrug
treatment with three medications:
dapsone, rifampicin (Rifadin), and
clofazimine (Lamprene).

Leprosy Causes
Leprosy Symptoms and
Signs
When to Seek Medical Care
Leprosy Diagnosis
Self-Care at Home

This long-term treatment regimen cures

the disease and prevents the
complications associated with leprosy if
started in its early stages.

Leprosy Treatment

These medications have been

distributed free to all patients with
leprosy since 1995, and the WHO
distributes the medications in
convenient monthly calendar blister
packs.

Leprosy Prevention

After the first doses of these

medications, patients are no longer
infectious and they do not transmit the
disease to others.

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Surgical Therapy
Follow-up

Leprosy Prognosis
For More Information
Read more on Leprosy
from Healthwise

Widespread resistance of M. leprae to a full course of MDT has not

developed.

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The WHO currently recommends different treatment regimens for patients

with paucibacillary leprosy and multibacillary leprosy.
WHO recommendations
Paucibacillary single-lesion leprosy
A single dose of rifampicin, ofloxacin (Floxin), or minocycline
(Dynacin, Minocin, Minocin PAC, Myrac, Solodyn)

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Paucibacillary leprosy
Six months of treatment using rifampicin (monthly) and
dapsone (daily)
Multibacillary leprosy

Bad Bugs
and Their Bites

Twelve months of treatment using rifampicin (monthly),

dapsone (daily), and clofazimine (daily)
In the U.S., the recommended treatment regimens by the National
Hansen's Disease Program for both paucibacillary leprosy and multibacillary
leprosy differ from the WHO recommendations.
U.S. recommendations

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/leprosy/page7_em.htm

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4/12/2015

Leprosy Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Leprosy Treatment - eMedicineHealth

Paucibacillary leprosy
Twelve months of treatment using rifampicin (daily) and
dapsone (daily)
Multibacillary leprosy
Twenty-four months of treatment using rifampicin (daily),
dapsone (daily), and clofazimine (daily)
Individuals who develop type 1 or type 2 reactions may require other
medications.
Type 1 reaction (reversal reaction)
Treatment may include the use of corticosteroids, salicylates,
and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Type 2 reaction (ENL)
Treatment may include the use of corticosteroids, salicylates,
NSAIDs, clofazimine, and thalidomide
(Thalomid). Continue Reading
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 9/19/2014
Medical Author: Steven Doerr, MD
Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Next Page: Surgical Therapy

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Glossary Leprosy Topic Guide

(Page 7 of 13)

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