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Dry eyes with clofazamine
Hello to all,
I started clofazamine about 6 weeks ago and I'm struggling with the dry eyes. I'm using artificial tears many times a day. I have an appt with my ophthal. , but not until May. Has anyone got any good suggestions on what to try? I also get up during the night to take omadacycline, so I don't want anything that's going to make my vision blurry then- although I could possibly use something like that for the last 5 or 6 hours of the night. What have some of you used to get through the clofaz? And does the eye dryness go away soon after you stop the med, or is it as long lasting as the tan is said to be?
Thanks for your help!
Martha
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I just finished 6 months on Clofazimine and did have some dry eye. I took extra fish oil and used Retaine eye drops, which helped. I did experience very dry mouth and skin.
One week off, and I still have the dry skin, but the mouth is not as dry. My doctor said that the skin discoloration fades slowly and imperceptibly. I use sunscreen when I go out to keep it from darkening even more. After one week, my urine is less orange. I read somewhere about the long half-life of this drug and that it is gradually released from the tissue stores.
My concern has always been the crystalline deposits in organs and lymphatics. Do they remain forever, and do they permanently affect organ function?
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2 ReactionsSometimes heat with a washcloth or special mask can stimulate tears
You should speak to an eye doctor about best eye drops and also the possibility of putting plugs in your tear ducts
Also some eye drops can cause irritation if overused
Have been on clofazimine nearly three years with very dry skin but not eyes, fortunately!
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2 ReactionsI went to my eye doctor this week and she recommended heat as well, she suggested a microwavable eye compress called Bruder, I see that it's sold on Amazon for $18. Hope this helps!
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3 ReactionsThanks @formergardener, @dulwich, @nancyefromva
I’m going to try the warm compresses. I have switched to eye drops without preservatives and that has been an improvement.
I already had been dealing with dry everything before the clofazamine, and I guess what I was doing for my skin and mouth must have been more effective since those issues don’t seem any worse - at least not yet! If anyone hasn’t tried Cerave cream for dry skin, I really recommend it.
Thanks to all in this group for your support!
Martha
Martha, I also have dealt with dry eyes for years. The Retaine drops can be found at Walgreens and for a few dollars less on Amazon. No preservatives. They really help so much.
The cream you mentioned is really good. I use it. Dr. McShane’s nurse also highly recommended Gold Bond.
The warm compresses to the eyes are effective for helping to unclog the meibobian glands, but it needs to be done regularly a couple of times a day. Eye doctors have a procedure to help with that, but it is expensive and not covered by insurance.
With the Clofazimine and as we approach summer, be careful with white clothing near areas that collect perspiration- especially neck and underarm areas. The medication will leave a reddish-orange dye on them. I even noticed that when I trim my nails, the clippings have a pinkish or reddish tint to them. Although skin gradually returns to its normal color after the meds leave your system, you just need to be patient. Be sure to use sunscreen. Any age spots will remain darkened from where they were previous to the medication. Your skin will not be so much red as more of a bronzing, kind of like a mild sunburn with a partial tan.