Rifadin IV

Rifadin IV is an antibiotic that is used to treat or prevent tuberculosis (TB).

Rifadin IV may also be used to lower certain bacteria in your nose and throat that might cause meningitis or other infections. This medicine helps prevent you from spreading these bacteria to other people, but Rifadin IV will not treat an active meningitis infection.

Rifadin IV may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking now and any that you begin or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.

You should not use Rifadin IV if you are allergic to Rifadin IV or similar medicines such as rifabutin, rifapentine, rifamycin, or rifaximin.

Many drugs can interact and cause dangerous effects. Some drugs should not be used together with Rifadin IV. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use: atazanavir, darunavir, fosamprenavir, praziquantel, ritonavir, saquinavir, or tipranavir.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;
• liver disease;
• bleeding problems; or
• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, using Rifadin IV during the last few weeks of pregnancy may cause bleeding in the mother or the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Rifadin IV can make hormonal birth control less effective, including birth control pills, injections, implants, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To prevent pregnancy while using this medicine, use a barrier form of birth control: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (hives, rash, feeling light-headed, wheezing, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you experience a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Rifadin IV may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• chest pain, cough, shortness of breath;
• a light-headed feeling, as if you might faint;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• flu symptoms—fever, chills, body aches, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting; or
• liver problems—upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Rifadin IV may include:

• red discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears;
• heartburn, gas, upset stomach, loss of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• fever;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• muscle weakness, pain in your arms or legs;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• numbness; or
• confusion, changes in behavior, trouble concentrating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Rifadin IV oral is taken by mouth. This medicine injection is given as an infusion into a vein.

Take Rifadin IV oral on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

A healthcare provider will give you Rifadin IV injection. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when this medicine is injected.

Rifadin IV may cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva, and tears (a yellow, orange, red, or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, soft contact lenses may be permanently stained if you wear them while using this medicine.

Dark colored urine can be a sign of liver problems. Call your doctor if you have reddish-brown urine together with upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Rifadin IV will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

You should not stop using Rifadin IV without your doctor's advice. Stopping the medicine suddenly and later starting again may cause kidney problems. This medicine is usually given until lab tests show that the infection has cleared.

While using Rifadin IV, you may need frequent blood tests.

This medicine may affect a drug-screening urine test and you may have false results. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Rifadin IV.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause worsening symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, itching, headache, lack of energy leading to loss of consciousness, and dark or discolored skin, saliva, tears, urine, or stools.

• Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

• Avoid wearing contact lenses. Rifadin IV may discolor your tears, which could permanently stain soft contact lenses.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Rifadin IV can harm your liver, especially if you also take certain medicines for infections, tuberculosis, depression, birth control, hormone replacement, high cholesterol, heart problems, high blood pressure, seizures, pain, or arthritis (including Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve).

Many drugs can affect Rifadin IV, and some drugs should not be used together. Inform your doctor about all your current medications and any medication you start or stop taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here.

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