Pyrazinamide

Pyrazinamide

     * Generic Name: pyrazinamide
     * Brand Name: Pyrazinamide


     * What is pyrazinamide?
     * What are the possible side effects of pyrazinamide?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       pyrazinamide?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       pyrazinamide?
     * How should I take pyrazinamide?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking pyrazinamide?
     * What other drugs will affect pyrazinamide?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is pyrazinamide?

   Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

   Pyrazinamide is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) in adults and
   children.

   Pyrazinamide must be used with other TB medicines. Tuberculosis can
   become resistant to treatment if pyrazinamide is used alone. Take all
   your medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

   Pyrazinamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pyrazinamide?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * fever;
     * joint pain or swelling;
     * easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
     * gout flare-up symptoms--joint pain, stiffness, redness, or swelling
       (especially at night); or
     * liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness,
       loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools,
       jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

   Common side effects may include:
     * joint or muscle pain;
     * nausea, vomiting; or
     * loss of appetite.

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about pyrazinamide?

   You should not use pyrazinamide if you have active gout or severe
   liver disease.

   Pyrazinamide Patient Information including How Should I Take
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   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pyrazinamide?

   You should not use pyrazinamide if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * active gout; or
     * severe liver disease.

   To make sure pyrazinamide is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have:
     * HIV or AIDS;
     * gout;
     * liver disease;
     * diabetes; or
     * if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

   Your doctor will check your liver enzymes and uric acid levels before
   you start treatment, to make sure you can safely take pyrazinamide.

   It is not known whether pyrazinamide will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using
   this medicine.

   Pyrazinamide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pyrazinamide?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do
   not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than
   recommended.

   Tuberculosis must be treated over a long period of time (up to 6 months
   or longer).

   Pyrazinamide is given in combination with other medications and should
   not be used alone. You may need to take pyrazinamide for only the first
   2 months of your full course of treatment.

   Pyrazinamide is usually taken once per day. However, some people take
   the medicine only 2 times per week.

   Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

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

   Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Pyrazinamide doses
   are based on weight (especially in children), and any changes may
   affect the dose.

   This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using pyrazinamide.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

   Pyrazinamide Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
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   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
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   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking pyrazinamide?

   Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food,
   beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect pyrazinamide?

   Other drugs may interact with pyrazinamide, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about pyrazinamide.
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