Rifapentine (By mouth)

Introduction

Rifapentine (rif-a-PEN-teen)

Treats tuberculosis (TB).

Brand Name(s)

Priftin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you are taking this medicine 2 times each week, wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each dose. After 2 months, your doctor may tell your to take the medicine once each week.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your TB may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• If the medicine upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Rifapentine may interact with many other drugs and change the way the medicines work. Some of these are medicines to treat an infection, diabetes, heart problems, seizures, depression, an irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure.
• Make sure your doctor knows all of the medicines that you are taking before you take rifapentine. The doses of the other medicines may have to be changed while you are taking rifapentine.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin®), sildenafil (Viagra®), theophylline, indinavir (Crixivan®), ritonavir (Norvir®), nelfinavir (Viracept®), or saquinavir (Invirase®, Fortovase®).
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using rifapentine. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• If this medicine gives you diarrhea, talk with your doctor before taking medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• Rifapentine may discolor your skin, tongue, teeth or dentures, bowel movements, urine, spit, sweat, breast milk, and tears or contact lenses to a red-orange color.
• Dentures or soft contact lenses may become permanently stained. You may not want to wear them while taking this medicine.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Cloudy, foamy, or dark-colored urine
• Joint pain or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting or severe diarrhea
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow eyes or skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild rash
• Upset stomach

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088