Ethionamide tablets

What is this medication?

ETHIONAMIDE (e thye ON am ide) is an antibiotic. It is used to treat tuberculosis (TB). This medicine is used with other medicines and should never be used alone. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Trecator, Trecator-SC

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•diabetes

•HIV infection

•liver disease

•thyroid disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to ethionamide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with or without food. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Tell your health care professional about all missed doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•alcohol

•cycloserine

•isoniazid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. You will need blood work done regularly. Have your eyes examined as directed by your doctor.

If you have stomach upset, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine. The side effects may get better with time.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are diabetic check your blood sugar as directed. This medicine may lower your blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about what your blood sugar should be and when to contact them.

This medicine may cause a decrease in vitamin B6. You should make sure that you get enough vitamin B6 while you are taking this medicine. Discuss the foods you eat and the vitamins you take with your health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•bruising or pinpoint red spots on the skin

•changes in vision, with or without eye pain

•confused, depressed, forgetful, restless

•low blood sugar

•tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet

•trouble sleeping

•unusually sensitive to the sun

•unusually weak ot tired

•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•change in sex drive or performance

•diarrhea

•drooling

•headache

•loss of appetite

•metallic taste

•mouth sores

•stomach upset, nausea, vomiting

•swollen or tender breasts

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.