MYCOBUTIN

Drug Name: MYCOBUTIN

MYCOBUTIN DESCRIPTION:
RIFABUTIN - ORAL (rye-fuh-BYOU-tin)

COMMON MYCOBUTIN BRAND NAME(S):
Mycobutin

MYCOBUTIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, stomach cramps, nausea, headache, altered taste may occur especially 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 chest pain, vomiting, skin rash, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms or vision changes while taking MYCOBUTIN. Also report any changes in the symptoms of your illness. MYCOBUTIN may cause skin, tears, saliva, sweat, urine and stools to turn orange-brown in color. This is normal and will change when the drug is stopped. Do not be alarmed. Expect this effect. 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 MYCOBUTIN:
MYCOBUTIN: Take MYCOBUTIN by mouth as directed. It is usually taken once or twice a day. This is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. For best results, take each dose at evenly spaced intervals around the clock. This will ensure a constant level of medication in your blood. Do not stop taking MYCOBUTIN without first consulting your doctor.

MYCOBUTIN USES:
MYCOBUTIN is used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in susceptible individuals (CD4 counts of less than 200).

MYCOBUTIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing blood disorders, tuberculosis or any allergies. Soft contact lenses may become permanently stained since this medication discolors tears. Avoid wearing soft contact lenses while taking MYCOBUTIN. MYCOBUTIN should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if MYCOBUTIN appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MYCOBUTIN 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. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MYCOBUTIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

MYCOBUTIN NOTES:
Laboratory tests will be done periodically while taking MYCOBUTIN to monitor its effects.

MISSED MYCOBUTIN DOSE:
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.

MYCOBUTIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.