Rifabutin - Oral

Rifabutin is an antibiotic. It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria called mycobacteria which cannot be destroyed by usual antibiotics.

This medicine may be used together with other medicines to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).

Take Rifabutin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection.

Take Rifabutin at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don’t, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Rifabutin if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as rifampicin.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• severe kidney disease
• severe liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Rifabutin may discolour soft contact lenses. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them during therapy.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver function, complete blood count, platelet count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and changes in vision may also be needed.

What must I do to prevent spreading TB to other people?

TB is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Always cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze or laugh. If you use tissue paper, seal it in a plastic bag before you throw it away. If you need to be around people for a long time, be sure to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose to minimise the risk of passing the disease to other people.

You may still be able to infect others while undergoing treatment for TB. Your doctor may tell you to stay at home to avoid passing the disease to other people. You may need to sleep in a bedroom separate from your family members.

Be sure to finish the course of medication according to your doctor’s instructions.

Rifabutin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach wind, indigestion, burping, changes in taste, muscle pain, and joint pain.

Your urine may look slightly red, brown, or orange in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. It may also cause your tears, saliva, sputum, sweat, and skin to change to red, brown, or orange in colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
• severe diarrhoea possibly with blood in the stools
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever, tender or enlarged lymph nodes, swelling of the face
• pain, redness, swelling in the eyes, cloudiness or loss of vision
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.

Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for HIV infection e.g. doravirine, amprenavir, indinavir, ritonavir
• medicines for hepatitis C infection e.g. sofosbuvir
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
• medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. tacrolimus, ciclosporin
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• certain antibiotic e.g. clarithromycin
• phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
• quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for pain
• anti-inflammatory medicines
• strong painkillers

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rifabutin.

Alert your doctor if you are taking birth control pills or other types of hormonal birth control. You may need to add on another type of birth control.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.