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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to isoniazid, pyrazinamide, or rifampin (Rifamate, Rifadin, Rimactane), or if you have:

• severe liver disease;
• active gout; or
• if you have ever had drug fever, chills, and arthritis caused by taking this medication.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• HIV;
• porphyria;
• gout;
• diabetes; or
• if you drink alcohol daily.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a different method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin.

Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin (Rifater)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Take isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may get better before your infection is completely cleared. Isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with blood tests on a regular basis. You may also need routine eye exams during treatment. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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