Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

RIFAPENTINE - ORAL

(riff-uh-PEN-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Priftin

Uses

This medication is used to treat tuberculosis in combination with other TB antibiotics.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth as directed, usually twice weekly with no less than 3 days between doses initially, followed by once weekly treatment. This drug is best taken with food. Total length of treatment varies according to your condition and response to therapy, but 6 months or more is generally required to cure the infection. It is important to take the other antibiotics that have been prescribed for your condition, and vitamins (such as B6) if so directed. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at about the same time on the same day(s) each week as directed. Continue to use this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days or weeks. Stopping any of your TB medications too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: dark urine, stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, pain or swelling of joints, persistent sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising. Unlikely but report promptly: diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, swelling. This medication may produce a harmless, reddish coloration of the urine, sweat, sputum (phlegm), breast milk or tears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: any allergies, liver disease, HIV disease, porphyria. This drug can permanently stain contact lenses or dentures. Avoid alcohol intake, as it may aggravate certain side effects of this drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, or barbiturates such as phenobarbital), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), other rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, doxycycline, and quinolones such as ciprofloxacin), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole), certain drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., disopyramide, quinidine), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), theophylline, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), digoxin, clofibrate, haloperidol, oral diabetes medicines, immune suppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), levothyroxine, narcotic pain relievers, quinine, other anti-HIV drugs (e.g., delavirdine, zidovudine), sildenafil, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), progesterone-type drugs. Rifapentine can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and other hormone-type birth control. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. This drug may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., folate and B12 vitamins). Inform laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to others. A different medication may be needed in those cases. Laboratory and/or medical tests will be performed to monitor for side effects or response to treatment.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture. Do not freeze.