Drug Notes

Rifapentine (By mouth)

Rifapentine (rif-a-PEN-teen)

Treats active or latent tuberculosis (TB).

Brand Name(s):

Priftin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• If you take this medicine 2 times each week, wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between each dose.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or chew it.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to a small amount of semisolid food. Take it immediately and do not store it for later use.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with rifapentine. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, especially blood thinners (such as warfarin), HIV medicine, diabetes medicine, or seizure medicine.
• This medicine can make birth control pills or patches less effective. Ask your doctor if you should change birth control or use 2 methods together.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease or porphyria.
• This medicine may cause liver problems.
• This medicine may cause your skin, teeth, or tongue to turn a reddish-orange color. Your tears, saliva, urine, or bowel movements may also become reddish-orange. Your contact lenses or dentures could become permanently discolored.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Coughing or spitting up blood
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Diarrhea that may contain blood
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017