What does it do?

Rifabutin is used to treat or prevent tuberculosis and other infections.

Before you start

• Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How should you take it?

Take rifabutin regularly as directed with a glass of water. Keep taking it until the course is finished, even if you start to feel better.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you often forget to take rifabutin, your infection may not be fully treated.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with rifabutin including:

• fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan®)
• levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pill (e.g. Postinor-1®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding Changes in vision, eye pain	Tell your doctor immediately
Skin rash	Tell your doctor
Joint, muscle or bone aches and pains Nausea, stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Red/orange body fluids	Do not wear soft contact lenses (they may be permanently stained)

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Limit alcohol intake while taking rifabutin. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.
• If you are taking an oral contraceptive you will need to use additional birth control methods while taking rifabutin, and for four weeks after stopping. Talk to your doctor.
• Do not stop taking rifabutin without talking to your doctor first.