Rifamate information

RIFAMATE Drug Information

Drug Name: RIFAMATE

RIFAMATE DESCRIPTION:
RIFAMPIN WITH ISONIAZID - CAPSULES (riff-AM-pin WITH eye-so-NYE-uh-zid)

COMMON RIFAMATE BRAND NAME(S):
Rifamate

RIFAMATE SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, sore mouth, drowsiness, dizziness or flushing may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, headache, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, changes in vision, confusion, memory trouble, fever, sore throat, fever or chills. RIFAMATE may cause urine, saliva, tears and sweat to turn red-orange in color. Do not be alarmed. This will disappear when the medication is stopped. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RIFAMATE:
RIFAMATE: Take RIFAMATE by mouth on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals) as directed. Take all RIFAMATE as prescribed. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor's approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment. For best results, take RIFAMATE at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep your blood level constant. Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Take RIFAMATE at least one hour before taking any antacids.

RIFAMATE WARNING:
RIFAMATE has caused severe, even fatal, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis). Liver problems increase with age and with daily use of alcohol. Hepatitis can develop with use of this drug at any time during treatment. Stop using RIFAMATE and notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or stomach or abdominal pain. Your doctor may decide to slowly restart isoniazid after these symptoms disappear and lab tests return to normal. People with active (acute) liver problems should not use this medication for preventative treatment until after the liver problems have stopped. Your doctor will monitor your liver function tests at least every month to discuss your progress.

RIFAMATE USES:
RIFAMATE is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

RIFAMATE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, blood disorders, history of alcohol use and of any allergies. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of RIFAMATE and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if RIFAMATE makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by this medication. RIFAMATE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

RIFAMATE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take warfarin, oral medicines for diabetes, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), theophylline, halothane, verapamil, certain protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), disopyramide, beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine and live vaccines. Rifampin can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Discuss the use of other birth control methods with your doctor. Also report drugs which cause drowsiness such as sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure or anti-anxiety drugs, narcotic pain relievers and certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Avoid foods containing large amounts of histamine or tyramine as it can result in headache and flushing. Foods to avoid include tuna fish, skipjack fish, pickled herring, sausages, liver, game meat, sauerkraut, yeast extract, red wines, sherry, aged cheese, figs, raisins, soy sauce, avocado, fava beans, chocolate, caffeine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RIFAMATE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, slurred speech, blurred vision, unusually slow breathing, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

RIFAMATE NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done frequently to monitor the effectiveness of RIFAMATE and to prevent side effects. You may need to take pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) while taking this, ask your doctor. You should get regular eye exams also.

MISSED RIFAMATE DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

RIFAMATE STORAGE:
Store RIFAMATE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.