rifapentine Health Article

Generic name(s):

rifapentine

Brand name(s):

Priftin

What is the most important information I should know about rifapentine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to rifapentine, rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane, Rifamate).

Before taking rifapentine, tell your doctor if you have porphyria.

Rifapentine should not be used without other antibiotics. Be sure to take all your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Rifapentine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking rifapentine.

Do not wear dentures or contact lenses while taking rifapentine. This medicine may discolor certain body fluids (including tears and saliva) with a red, orange, or brown color. While this is a harmless side effect, it may permanently stain a pair of contact lenses.

What is rifapentine?

Rifapentine is an antibiotic. It prevents bacteria from multiplying in your body.

Rifapentine is used together with other antibiotics to treat tuberculosis.

Rifapentine must always be used in combination with other antibiotics.

Rifapentine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rifapentine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to rifapentine, rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane, Rifamate).

Before taking rifapentine, tell your doctor if you have porphyria.

Rifapentine should not be used without other antibiotics. Be sure to take all your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

Before using rifapentine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take rifapentine. Your doctor will tell you if any of your medication doses need to be changed.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Rifapentine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking rifapentine. It is not known whether rifapentine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Rifapentine may cause a red-orange discoloration of breast milk.

How should I take rifapentine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take rifapentine with or without food. Take the medication with food if it causes stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Store rifapentine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, heartburn, nausea, or urinating more than usual.