Mycobutin (Rifabutin) is a prescription medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria called mycobacteria. Mycobacteria are bacteria that cannot be destroyed with usual antibiotics. People who cannot fight infection, such as those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), are more likely to be infected with mycobacteria. Mycobutin is used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in people with HIV. The drug is also used with other medicines to treat tuberculosis in people with HIV. The active ingredient in Mycobutin is Rifabutin. Rifabutin belongs to a class of medications called antimycobacterials. It works by killing the bacteria that cause infection. Rifabutin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Mycobutin from Australia and Canada manufactured by Pfizer in the strength of 150 mg capsules. The generic Rifabutin is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Mycobutin. The most common side effects of Mycobutin may include the following:
• Gas;
• Rash;
• Red or brown discoloration of your skin, sweat, tears, saliva, urine, or stools;
• Upset stomach
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Bloody or watery diarrhea;
• Severe stomach pain;
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, mouth, and throat;
• Signs of low blood cell counts, including fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, skin sores, pain when swallowing, cold or flu symptoms
These are not all of the side effects of Mycobutin. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Mycobutin if you are allergic to Rifabutin or any ingredient in Mycobutin. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have active tuberculosis;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Have or have had an eye condition called uveitis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Mycobutin and voriconazole, delavirdine, aspirin, methadone, warfarin, prednisolone, etc. avoid phenytoin, clarithromycin, ciclosporin, dapsone, or ritonavir with Mycobutin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Mycobutin may harm a fetus. Do not take this drug in pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Rifabutin passes into breast milk or if it may affect a nursing infant. Take Mycobutin precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole with water. You can take the drug before or after food and drinks. Your doctor may prescribe this drug in combination with other antibiotics to treat mycobacterial infections. Do not stop taking Mycobutin unless your doctor tells you to, as your infection could return. Store Mycobutin below 250C. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.