RIFABUTIN Rifabutin must be taken regularly to higher risk of bacterial infection), or be effective and to prevent the anemia (a reduced number of red development of resistance. Take all blood cells that can make you feel Other NAMES: Mycobutin of your doses even if you begin to tired and short of breath). In rare feel better. cases it can also cause WHY is this drug prescribed? thrombocytopenia (a reduced What should you do if you number of platelets so that you bleed Rifabutin is an antibacterial drug used to FORGET a dose? or bruise more easily), or changes in prevent or treat Mycobacterium avium liver function . Blood tests will be complex (MAC) infection. When used If you miss a dose of rifabutin, take it done regularly to check for any to treat MAC, it is usually used in as soon as possible. However, if it is changes in these values. Inform combination with other agents. time for your next dose, do not your doctor or pharmacist if you have double the dose, just carry on with symptoms such as fever, chills, Rifabutin may also be used to treat other your regular schedule. shortness of breath, racing types of infections, including heartbeat, fatigue, bleeding or tuberculosis. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this bruising. drug cause? What should you do HOW should this drug be taken? about them? Rifabutin may cause uveitis (an inflammation of the eye causing When used to prevent or treat MAC, the Most adverse effects of rifabutin are pain, redness and loss of vision). It usual dose is 300mg once daily. It can mild, and may include nausea, may also cause joint stiffness or be taken as 150mg twice daily with food vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal swelling . Please notify your doctor to minimize stomach upset. To treat pain, rash, and headache. or pharmacist if these symptoms tuberculosis, the dose is based on your occur. weight. Rifabutin causes a red-orange discolouration of urine, stools, It is important that you keep your Your dose may need to be adjusted if saliva, lung secretions, sweat, tears, doctor appointments and come you are taking other drugs. and skin. This adverse effect does for your laboratory tests so that not usually require medical attention. your progress can be followed. Rifabutin is available as a 150mg However, if you wear contact lenses, capsule. The capsules should be you may consider wearing glasses What other PRECAUTIONS should swallowed whole and can be taken with instead to prevent discolouration of you follow while using this drug? or without food. your contact lenses. Many other drugs can interfere with Your dosage is: Serious effects of rifabutin that may rifabutin. As well, rifabutin may occur include neutropenia and decrease the effect of other drugs. 150 mg capsule leukopenia (a reduced number of Inform your doctor and pharmacist of __capsule(s)(___mg)___time(s) daily white blood cells so that you have a all prescribed and non-prescribed drugs you are taking. As well, you please discuss them with your should inform them of natural pharmacist, doctor or nurse . products you are taking. If you wish to start a new drug or natural Write questions or concerns down product, please consult with your to ensure they are addressed. pharmacist before doing so. The following pharmacist is available RIFABUTIN The efficacy of birth control pills or to answer questions: other hormones used to prevent becoming pregnant may decrease if Pharmacist: __________________ you are taking rifabutin. An Telephone: __________________ alternative or additional method of contraception, such as condoms, MEDICATION should be used. The safety of rifabutin has not been FACT SHEET established during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist if this is a concern. How should this drug be STORED? Rifabutin should be stored in a cool (15-30 C) dry place, protected from light and well out of the reach of children. Ensure that the drug has not expired by checking the expiry date (“EXP”) shown on the outside of the package. Do not store in your bathroom or kitchen, as heat and moisture may cause the drug to be less active. Reference: Product Monograph. Mycobutin (rifabutin). Kirkland, QC, Canada: Pfizer Canada Inc., If you have any questions or 2008. Prepared by the Ontario HIV Pharmacy Professional Specialty Group, 2003. Reviewed 2009. concerns about this drug or if you are experiencing adverse effects, Additional medication fact sheets and updates may be found at: www.hivclinic.ca .