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Rifabutin (By mouth)

Rifabutin (rif-a-BUE-tin)

Helps prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in patients with HIV.

Brand Name(s):

Mycobutin

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to rifabutin or similar medicines.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • You may take the medicine with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, you may want to take it with food.
  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and the contents of the capsules may be mixed with applesauce. Be sure to take all the food to get the full dose of medicine.
  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
  • 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.

  • Do not use this medicine together with delavirdine or voriconazole.
  • Some medicines can affect how rifabutin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
    • Amprenavir, clarithromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, indinavir, itraconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir
    • Birth control pills

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, muscle problems, or eye or vision problems.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Eye or vision problems
    • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • This medicine should not be given to patients with active tuberculosis (TB). If you think you may have active TB, tell your doctor.
  • This medicine may cause your skin, tears, saliva, sweat, urine, or bowel movements to turn a brownish-orange color. Your contact lenses 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.
  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
  • 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
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Blurred vision or loss of vision, eye redness, pain, or sensitivity to light
  • Diarrhea that may contain blood
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Nausea

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: 12/4/2023

 

 
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