RIFATER

Drug Name: RIFATER

RIFATER DESCRIPTION:
RIFAMPIN/ISONIAZID/PYRAZINAMIDE - ORAL (riff-AM-pin/eye-so-NYE-uh-zid/pir-uh-ZIN-uh-mide)

COMMON RIFATER BRAND NAME(S):
Rifater

RIFATER SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, sweating, coughing, dizziness, trouble sleeping, acne, drowsiness or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, pale stools, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, joint pain, changes in vision, confusion, memory trouble, fever, sore throat, chills. RIFATER 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. Soft contact lenses may be permanently discolored by RIFATER. 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, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RIFATER:
RIFATER: Take RIFATER by mouth on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after meals) with a full glass of water as directed. Take all RIFATER 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 RIFATER at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night to keep your blood level constant. Antacids may reduce the absorption of rifampin. Take RIFATER at least one hour before taking any antacids.

RIFATER WARNING:
RIFATER 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 RIFATER 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.

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

RIFATER PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, gout, diabetes, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of RIFATER and increase side effects. Limit alcohol consumption while using this medication. Use caution operating machinery or participating in activities requiring alertness if RIFATER makes you feel drowsy or dizzy. RIFATER should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

RIFATER DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: 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., metopro- lol), isoniazid, digitoxin, quinidine, mexiletine, phenytoin, cyclosporine, zidovudine, 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, 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.

RIFATER 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.

RIFATER NOTES:
Laboratory tests and eye exams will be done periodically while taking RIFATER to monitor the effectiveness of this medication and to prevent side effects.

MISSED RIFATER 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.

RIFATER STORAGE:
Store RIFATER 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. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.