Rifabutin: how to take it safely
Mycobutin
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats and prevents tuberculosis (TB), including in people with HIV.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- Take it every day and finish the full course. TB treatment takes months.
When to take it
Take it once a day at the same time.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Missing doses or stopping early, which can lead to drug-resistant TB.
- Alcohol.
- Hormonal contraceptives will not work well. Use another method.
- Tell your pharmacist about other medicines you take, including HIV medicines.
Possible side effects
Orange-red urine, sweat and tears (harmless), nausea, rash.
Get help if
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, eye pain or blurred vision, or fever: see a doctor.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.