Brand Name(s): Mycobutin
Generic Name Rifabutin
What are rifabutin capsules?
RIFABUTIN (Mycobutin®) is an antibacterial agent. It is effective in preventing the tuberculosis-like infection and illness known as mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Rifabutin will not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS. Generic rifabutin capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dental disease
•tuberculosis
•wear contact lens
•an unusual or allergic reaction to rifabutin, rifamycin, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take rifabutin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. You can take rifabutin with or without food. Opening the capsule and mixing the contents with food, such as applesauce, is an easy way to give to children. Take your doses at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with rifabutin?
Rifabutin has the potential to interact with many other drugs. Some of the possible interactions are listed:
•bosentan
•cyclosporine
•doxercalciferol
•female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
•fluconazole
•itraconazole
•levomethadyl
•medicines for lowering cholesterol (example: atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin)
•medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
•methadone
•paricalcitol
•sirolimus
•some medicines for seizures (convulsions)
•some medicines for depression, anxiety, psychosis or problems with sleep (insomnia)
•some prescription pain medications
•tacrolimus
•voriconazole
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking rifabutin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•dark yellow or brown urine
•difficulty breathing
•cough
•eye pain or loss of vision
•fever or chills, sore throat
•loss of appetite
•muscle aches or pains
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•discoloration of soft contact lens
•nausea, vomiting
•reddish-orange to reddish-brown coloration of urine, stools, saliva, tears, and sweat
•skin rash, itching
•stomach pain
What should I watch for while taking rifabutin?
Keep taking your rifabutin even if you feel better. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks and report any serious side effects promptly.
Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking rifabutin.
If you get a persistent cough, chest pain, or have difficulty breathing do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. These could be symptoms of tuberculosis.
Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use a different method of birth control while you are taking rifabutin. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if necessary.
This medicine can color your urine, feces (stool), perspiration (sweat), tears, sputum, skin or saliva reddish-orange to reddish-brown. This color can last for as long as you take rifabutin and is not a cause for alarm. Talk to your prescriber or health care professional about it if it concerns you. However, this color in tears may permanently stain soft contact lenses. It is better not to wear soft contact lenses while you are taking rifabutin.
Rifabutin can cause blood problems. This can mean slow healing and a risk of infection. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/31/2005 |
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