Rifapentine - Oral

Rifapentine is an antibiotic. It is used together with other medicines to treat a lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).

Take Rifapentine 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.

Take this medicine together with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet(s), you may crush the tablet(s) and mix it with a small amount of semi-solid food. Consume the mixture immediately and do not store for later use.

The dose of Rifapentine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your infection and your response to the medication.

Take this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of Rifapentine. 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 Rifapentine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or similar antibiotics such as rifampicin and rifabutin.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• lung disease
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• HIV infection
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Rifapentine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Do not wear contact lenses and dentures during treatment, as this medicine may cause permanent staining of contact lenses and dentures.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. test for blood folate [vitamin B₉] or cobalamin [vitamin B₁₂] levels), inform your doctor that you are taking Rifapentine.

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) may be done before treatment and 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 of liver problems, severe or bloody diarrhoea, and allergic reactions 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.

Rifapentine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, back or joint pain, and decreased appetite.

Your urine may look slightly reddish orange in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. It may also cause your stools, saliva, phlegm, teeth, tears and sweat to change to reddish 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 or mouth
• severe diarrhoea, diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stool
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

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:

• certain medicines for HIV infection e.g. efavirenz, delavirdine, zidovudine, atazanavir, dolutegravir, ritonavir
• medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, disopyramide
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
• medicines for diabetes e.g. glipizide, glyburide
• medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
• medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. diazepam, phenytoin, phenobarbital
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, dapsone
• oral blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
• strong painkillers e.g. methadone
• quinine (medicine for malaria [a disease characterised by chills, fever and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito])
• haloperidol (medicine for mood disorders)
• digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
• prednisone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
• theophylline (asthma medicine)
• sildenafil (medicine used to treat impotence)
• levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)

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

Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills or other types of hormonal birth control, as Rifapentine can reduce the effectiveness of these medicines. 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.

Protect from excessive heat and humidity.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.