Rifapentine is used together with other medicines to treat an active lung infection known as tuberculosis (TB).
This medicine may also be used in the prevention of the progression of an inactive TB infection to an active TB disease.
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 it with food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablet(s), you may crush the tablet(s) and add it to a small amount of semi-solid food. Take it immediately after mixing.
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.
Rifapentine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
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 (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or other similar medicines such as rifampicin.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- HIV infection
- liver disease
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not wear contact lenses and dentures during treatment as this medicine may cause permanent stain.
This medicine alone cannot cure TB. Make sure that you take the other TB medicines given to you by your doctor.
If you are going for certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Rifapentine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Assessment of culture and sensitivity test may be needed to check the appropriateness of Rifapentine therapy.
- You may need to have routine tests (e.g. liver function test) while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions or liver problems may be needed while you are being treated with this medicine.
What must I do to prevent spreading TB to other people?
TB is spread through the air, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh.
You may still be able to infect others while undergoing treatment for TB. If your doctor has told you to stay at home so that you do not spread TB to other people, follow his instructions. You may need to sleep in a bedroom separate from your family members.
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.
Rifapentine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, chest pain, back pain, joint pain.
This medicine may cause your urine, saliva, tears, sweat, breast milk, faeces, skin, teeth and tongue to change to orange or red colour. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Rifapentine will cause the level of your red and white blood cells 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. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, light coloured stool, tiredness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- severe diarrhoea, watery or bloody stool
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. atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, tipranavir
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
- warfarin (blood-clotting medicine)
- medicines for diabetes e.g. glipizide, glyburide
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicine for sleep disorder or anxiety e.g. diazepam
Inform your doctor if you are currently taking birth control pills as this can reduce the effectiveness of Rifapentine. You should not stop or start any birth control pills without first informing your doctor. Ask your doctor about using non-hormonal birth control as an alternative while being treated with this medicine.
This list does not include all medicines that may interact Rifapentine.
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.
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