Mycobutin (Rifabutin) is used for:

Preventing Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in patients with advanced HIV infection.

Mycobutin is an antibacterial. It works by preventing or slowing the growth of certain bacteria.

Do NOT use Mycobutin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Mycobutin or to any other rifamycins (eg, rifampin)
• you have active tuberculosis (TB) or kidney problems
• you are taking an HIV protease inhibitor (eg, ritonavir) or voriconazole

Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Mycobutin:

Some medical conditions may interact with Mycobutin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Mycobutin. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Many prescription and nonprescription medicines used for infections (eg, voriconazole), blood thinners, high cholesterol, birth control, heart problems, HIV infection (eg, ritonavir), mental or mood problems, seizures, or diabetes, and herbs found in multivitamin products, herbal teas, and dietary supplements (eg, garlic, St. John's wort) may interact with Mycobutin and increase the risk of side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your doctor if Mycobutin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Mycobutin:

Use Mycobutin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Mycobutin by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are taking Mycobutin. Sterilize contact lenses according to manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.
• To clear up your infection completely, take Mycobutin for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
• If you miss a dose of Mycobutin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your doctor any questions you may have about how to use Mycobutin.

Important safety information:

• Mycobutin may discolor the urine, stools, saliva, sweat, tears, and skin (usually a brown-orange color). This is normal and not a cause for concern. It may also permanently stain soft contact lenses. If possible, do not wear contact lenses while you are taking Mycobutin.
• Mycobutin only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Be sure to use Mycobutin for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Long-term or repeated use of Mycobutin may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this.
• Mycobutin may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Mild diarrhea is common with antibiotic use. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Mycobutin. To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Mycobutin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Mycobutin should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Mycobutin can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Mycobutin, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Mycobutin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Mycobutin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Mycobutin.

Possible side effects of Mycobutin:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Changes in taste; diarrhea; discolored urine; headache; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea; sleeplessness; stomach pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; eye pain, swelling, or sensitivity to light; flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, chills, sore throat); severe or persistent diarrhea; severe stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual muscle pain or weakness; vision changes or decreased vision; yellowing of skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Proper storage of Mycobutin:

Store Mycobutin at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Mycobutin out of the reach of children and away from pets.