Pyrazinamide

What is PYRAZINAMIDE?

(PYRAZINAMIDE) Pyrazinamide is used with other medications to treat tuberculosis (TB). It is an antibiotic and works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How should I use PYRAZINAMIDE?

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily or twice weekly. The dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. If you are taking this medication daily, take it at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication on a weekly schedule, take it on the same days of the week and at the same time each day. Mark the days on the calendar when you need to take the medication. Continue to take this medication (and other TB medications) until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may result in a return of the infection and cause the infection to be more difficult to treat (resistant). Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take PYRAZINAMIDE?

Before taking pyrazinamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, gout, high uric acid level in the blood, alcohol use. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this medication. Pyrazinamide may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using pyrazinamide before having any immunizations/vaccinations. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with PYRAZINAMIDE?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine ketone tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

What if I miss a dose of PYRAZINAMIDE?

It is important to take each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you are taking this medication daily and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you are taking this drug on a weekly schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day or later, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving PYRAZINAMIDE?

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or mild muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, unusual tiredness/weakness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), painful/swollen joints, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), easy bleeding/bruising, fast heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep PYRAZINAMIDE?

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.