Mycobutin (Rifabutin)

Do’s

• The dosage of Mycobutin is typically based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products. 
• Mycobutin is taken orally by mouth. It can be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. If stomach upset occurs, it may be recommended to be taken with food.
• To ensure the best effect, take Mycobutin at evenly spaced times. Taking it at the same time(s) every day can help you remember to take the medication consistently.
• Continue taking Mycobutin until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if your symptoms improve or disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and make it more difficult to treat.

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in taste
• Muscle or joint pain
• Dizziness
• Red-orange discoloration of body fluids (such as urine, sweat, and tears)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or persistent side effects while taking Mycobutin, consult with your healthcare provider.

Mycobutin may cause neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and, more rarely, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Healthcare providers should consider obtaining hematologic studies periodically in patients receiving prophylaxis with Mycobutin.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) have been associated with Mycobutin use.

Mycobutin can interact with other drugs you may be taking. Check for potential drug interactions and consult with your healthcare provider.

Mycobutin may cause mild to severe, reversible uveitis (inflammation of the eye). Regular ophthalmologic surveillance is recommended, especially when Mycobutin is used in combination with other medications for the treatment of MAC.

The use of Mycobutin in pediatric patients, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly should be done with caution. Consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Read the medication leaflet, follow the instructions provided, and consult with your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns regarding the use of Mycobutin.