What does it do?

Protionamide is used to treat tuberculosis.

Before you start

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

How should you take it?

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

What if you forget a dose?

If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you often forget to take protionamide, your tuberculosis may not be fully treated.

Can you take other medicines?

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products 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	Tell your doctor immediately
Unusual behaviour or thinking, low mood Eye pain, changes in vision Tingling or numbness	Tell your doctor
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain, loss of appetite, metallic taste, more saliva than usual, drooling, pain, sores, or redness in mouth or on lips Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness or weakness	Tell your doctor if troublesome
Lightheaded or dizzy after standing up	Stand up slowly. If it continues, or is severe, tell your doctor

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

Other information:

• Your doctor may prescribe pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to help prevent side effects of protionamide.
• You may need blood tests and eye tests to check if protionamide is causing problems with your liver, thyroid or eyes.
• Protionamide is not registered for use in New Zealand. Discuss with your doctor.