Drug Reference

Rifapentine

Antibiotics

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Therapeutic class
Antibiotics
Action class
Rifamycin Antimycobacterial
Chemical class
Rifamycins
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Priftin

Available as

150 MG · Oral Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PRIFTIN is a rifamycin antimycobacterial drug indicated in patients 12 years of age and older for the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in combination with one or more antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs to which the isolate is susceptible. ( 1.1 ) PRIFTIN is indicated for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) caused by M. tuberculosis in combination with isoniazid in patients 2 years of age and older at high risk of progression to TB disease. ( 1.2 ) See Full Prescribing Information for Limitations of Use. ( 1.1 , 1.2 ) 1.1 Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis PRIFTIN ® (rifapentine) is indicated in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older for the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . PRIFTIN must always be used in combination with one or more antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs to which the isolate is susceptible [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Limitations of Use Do not use PRIFTIN monotherapy in either the initial or the continuation phases of active antituberculous treatment. PRIFTIN should not be used once weekly in the continuation phase regimen in combination with isoniazid (INH) in HIV-infected patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis because of a higher rate of failure and/or relapse with rifampin (RIF)-resistant organisms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . PRIFTIN has not been studied as part of the initial phase treatment regimen in HIV-infected patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. 1.2 Latent Tuberculosis Infection PRIFTIN is indicated in adults and pediatric patients 2 years and older for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients at high risk of progression to tuberculosis disease (including those in close contact with active tuberculosis patients, recent conversion to a positive tuberculin skin test, HIV-infected patients, or those with pulmonary fibrosis on radiograph) [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . Limitations of Use Active tuberculosis disease should be ruled out before initiating treatment for latent tuberculosis infection. PRIFTIN must always be used in combination with isoniazid as a 12-week once-weekly regimen for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . PRIFTIN in combination with isoniazid is not recommended for individuals presumed to be exposed to rifamycin-resistant or isoniazid-resistant M. tuberculosis .
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Rifapentine, a cyclopentyl rifamycin, is an antimycobacterial agent [see Microbiology (12.4) ] .
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Active pulmonary tuberculosis: PRIFTIN should be used in regimens consisting of an initial 2 month phase followed by a 4 month continuation phase. ( 2.1 ) Initial phase (2 Months): 600 mg twice weekly for two months as directly observed therapy (DOT), with no less than 72 hours between doses, in combination with other antituberculosis drugs. ( 2.1 ) Continuation phase (4 Months): 600 mg once weekly for 4 months as directly observed therapy with isoniazid or another appropriate antituberculosis agent. ( 2.1 ) Latent tuberculosis infection: PRIFTIN should be administered in combination with isoniazid once weekly for 12 weeks as directly observed therapy. ( 2.2 ) Adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years: PRIFTIN (based on weight, see table below) and isoniazid 15 mg/kg (900 mg maximum). ( 2.2 ) Pediatric patients 2 to 11 years: PRIFTIN (based on weight, see table below) and isoniazid 25 mg/kg (900 mg maximum). ( 2.2 ) Weight range PRIFTIN dose Number of PRIFTIN tablets 10–14 kg 300 mg 2 14.1–25 kg 450 mg 3 25.1–32 kg 600 mg 4 32.1–50 kg 750 mg 5 >50 kg 900 mg 6 For Latent Tuberculosis Infection, the maximum recommended dose of PRIFTIN is 900 mg once weekly for 12 weeks. ( 2.2 ) Take with food. Tablets may be crushed and added to semi-solid food. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Dosage in Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis PRIFTIN is only recommended for the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis caused by drug-susceptible organisms as part of regimens consisting of a 2-month initial phase followed by a 4-month continuation phase. PRIFTIN should not be used in the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis caused by rifampin-resistant strains. Initial phase (2 Months): PRIFTIN should be administered at a dose of 600 mg twice weekly for two months as directly observed therapy (DOT), with an interval of no less than 3 consecutive days (72 hours) between doses, in combination with other antituberculosis drugs as part of an appropriate regimen which includes daily companion drugs such as isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB) and pyrazinamide (PZA). Continuation phase (4 Months): Following the initial phase (2 months), continuation phase (4 months) treatment consists of PRIFTIN 600 mg once weekly for 4 months in combination with isoniazid or another appropriate antituberculosis agent for susceptible organisms administered as directly observed therapy. 2.2 Dosage in Latent Tuberculosis Infection PRIFTIN should be administered once weekly in combination with isoniazid for 12 weeks as directly observed therapy. Adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older: The recommended dose of PRIFTIN should be determined based on weight of the patient up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly (see Table 1 ). The recommended dose of isoniazid is 15 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest 50 mg or 100 mg) up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly for 12 weeks. Pediatric Patients 2 to 11 years: The recommended dose of PRIFTIN should be determined based on weight of the patient up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly (see Table 1 ). The recommended dose of isoniazid is 25 mg/kg (rounded to the nearest 50 mg or 100 mg) up to a maximum of 900 mg once weekly for 12 weeks. Table 1: Weight Based Dose of PRIFTIN in the Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Weight range PRIFTIN dose Number of PRIFTIN tablets 10–14 kg 300 mg 2 14.1–25 kg 450 mg 3 25.1–32 kg 600 mg 4 32.1–50 kg 750 mg 5 >50 kg 900 mg 6 2.3 Administration Take PRIFTIN with meals. Administration of PRIFTIN with a meal increases oral bioavailability and may reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and/or vomiting [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . For patients who cannot swallow tablets, the tablets may be crushed and added to a small amount of semi-solid food, all of which should be consumed immediately [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling: Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Paradoxical Drug Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Discoloration of Body Fluids [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Clostridioides Difficile –Associated Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Porphyria [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions with regimen for active pulmonary tuberculosis (3% and greater) are anemia, lymphopenia, hemoptysis, neutropenia, cough, thrombocytosis, increased sweating, increased ALT, increased AST, back pain, rash, anorexia, arthralgia, increased blood urea, and headache. The most common adverse reaction (3% and greater) with the regimen for latent tuberculosis infection is hypersensitivity reaction. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis PRIFTIN was studied in a randomized, open label, active-controlled trial of HIV-negative patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. The population consisted primarily of male subjects with a mean age of 37 ± 11 years. In the initial 2-month phase of treatment, 361 patients received PRIFTIN 600 mg twice a week in combination with daily isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol and 361 subjects received rifampin in combination with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol all administered daily. Ethambutol was discontinued when drug susceptibly testing was known. During the 4-month continuation phase, 317 patients in the PRIFTIN group continued to receive PRIFTIN 600 mg dosed once weekly with isoniazid and 304 patients in the rifampin group received twice weekly rifampin and isoniazid. Both treatment groups received pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) over the 6-month treatment period. Because PRIFTIN was administered as part of a combination regimen, the adverse reaction profile reflects the entire regimen. Twenty-two deaths occurred in the study, eleven in the rifampin combination therapy group and eleven in the PRIFTIN combination therapy group. 18/361 (5%) rifampin combination therapy patients discontinued the study due to an adverse reaction compared to 11/361 (3%) PRIFTIN combination therapy patients. Three patients (two rifampin combination therapy patients and one PRIFTIN combination therapy patient) were discontinued in the initial phase due to hepatotoxicity. Concomitant medications for all three patients included isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and pyridoxine. All three recovered without sequelae. Five patients had adverse reactions associated with PRIFTIN overdose. These reactions included hematuria, neutropenia, hyperglycemia, ALT increased, hyperuricemia, pruritus, and arthritis. Table 2 presents selected treatment-emergent adverse reactions associated with the treatment regimens which occurred in at least 1% of patients during treatment and post treatment through the first three months of follow-up. Table 2: Selected Treatment Emergent Adverse Reactions during Treatment of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis and through Three Months Follow-up Initial Phase Initial phase consisted of therapy with either PRIFTIN twice weekly or rifampin daily combined with daily isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol for 60 days. Continuation Phase Continuation phase consisted of therapy with either PRIFTIN once weekly or rifampin twice weekly combined

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data, PRIFTIN may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Available data from clinical trials, case reports, epidemiology studies and postmarketing experience with PRIFTIN use in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In two clinical trials, a total of 59 patients who were treated with rifapentine in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs became pregnant. Overall, the reported rate of miscarriage following rifapentine exposure in these two clinical trials did not represent an increase over the background rate of miscarriage reported in the general population (see Data ) . There are risks associated with active tuberculosis during pregnancy. When administered during the last few weeks of pregnancy, PRIFTIN may be associated with maternal postpartum hemorrhage and bleeding in the exposed neonates (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, adverse developmental outcomes (including cleft palate or mal-positioned aortic arches) were observed following administration of rifapentine to pregnant rats and rabbits at doses approximately 0.6 and 0.3 to 1.3 times, respectively, of the recommended human dose based on body surface area comparisons (see Data ) . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the risk for fetal harm. As rifapentine is always used in combination with other antituberculosis drugs such as isoniazid, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, refer to the prescribing information of the other drug(s) for more information on their associated risks of use during pregnancy. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%–4% and 15%–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Active tuberculosis in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes including maternal anemia, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and perinatal infant death. Labor or delivery When administered during the last few weeks of pregnancy, PRIFTIN may increase the risk for maternal postpartum hemor
BreastfeedingCaution
…( 8.1 ) Lactation: Monitor infants exposed to PRIFTIN through breast milk for irritability, prolonged unexplained crying, yellowing of the eyes, changes in color of the urine or stool.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverCaution
…5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity: Monitor for symptoms of liver injury and discontinue PRIFTIN if signs or symptoms or liver injury occur.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hepatotoxicity: Monitor for symptoms of liver injury and discontinue PRIFTIN if signs or symptoms or liver injury occur. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity: Discontinue PRIFTIN if signs or symptoms of hypersensitivity reaction occur. ( 5.2 ) Severe cutaneous adverse reactions: Discontinue PRIFTIN at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity. ( 5.3 ) Relapse in the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis: Do not use as a once-weekly continuation phase regimen with isoniazid in HIV-infected patients. Monitor for signs or symptoms of relapse in patients with cavitary lesions or bilateral disease. ( 5.4 , 14.1 ) Paradoxical Drug Reactions: If worsening of symptoms or signs occur during antimycobacterial treatment, consider paradoxical drug reaction in the differential diagnosis, and monitor or treat accordingly. ( 5.5 ) Drug Interactions: May interact with drugs metabolized by CYP450. ( 5.6 , 7.1 , 7.4 ) Discoloration of body fluids: May permanently stain contact lenses or dentures red-orange. ( 5.7 ) Clostridioides difficile –associated diarrhea: Evaluate if diarrhea occurs. ( 5.8 ) Porphyria: Avoid use in patients with porphyria. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Hepatotoxicity Elevations of liver transaminases may occur in patients receiving PRIFTIN [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Patients on PRIFTIN should be monitored for symptoms of liver injury. Patients with abnormal liver tests and/or liver disease or patients initiating treatment for active pulmonary tuberculosis should only be given PRIFTIN in cases of necessity and under strict medical supervision. In such patients, obtain serum transaminase levels prior to therapy and every 2 to 4 weeks while on therapy. Discontinue PRIFTIN if evidence of liver injury occurs. 5.2 Hypersensitivity and Related Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients receiving PRIFTIN. Signs and symptoms of these reactions may include hypotension, urticaria, angioedema, acute bronchospasm, conjunctivitis, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia or flu-like syndrome (weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, chills, aches, rash, itching, sweats, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, syncope, palpitations). There have been reports of anaphylaxis [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . Monitor patients receiving PRIFTIN therapy for signs and/or symptoms of hypersensitivity reactions. If these symptoms occur, administer supportive measures and discontinue PRIFTIN. 5.3 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome have been reported in association with the use of rifapentine (PRIFTIN) treatment regimens in patients with active and latent tuberculosis. Discontinue PRIFTIN at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions, or any other sign of hypersensitivity [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . 5.4 Relapse in the Treatment of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis PRIFTIN has not been evaluated as part of the initial phase treatment regimen in HIV-infected patients with active pulmonary TB. Do not use PRIFTIN as a once-weekly continuation phase regimen in HIV-infected patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis because of a higher rate of failure and/or relapse with rifampin-resistant organisms [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Higher relapse rates may occur in patients with cavitary pulmonary lesions and/or positive sputum cultures after the initial phase of active tuberculosis treatment and in patients with evidence of bilateral pulmonary disease. Monitor for signs and symptoms of TB relapse in these patients [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Poor adherence to therapy is associated with high relapse rate. Emphasize the importance of compliance with therapy [see Patient Counseling Information (17) ] . 5.5 Paradoxical Drug Reactions Paradoxical drug reactions are char
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Known hypersensitivity to any rifamycin. ( 4.1 ) 4.1 Hypersensitivity PRIFTIN is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to rifamycins.

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of PRIFTIN in the treatment of active pulmonary tuberculosis have not been established in pediatric patients under the age of 12. The safety and effectiveness of PRIFTIN in combination with isoniazid once-weekly regimen has been evaluated in pediatric patients (2 to 17 years of age) for the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection. In clinical studies, the safety profile in pediatric patients was similar to that observed in adult patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . In a pharmacokinetic study conducted in 2 to 11-year-old pediatric patients with latent tuberculosis infection, PRIFTIN was administered once weekly based on weight (15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg, up to a maximum of 900 mg). Exposures (AUC) in pediatric patients 2 to 11 years old with latent tuberculosis infection were higher (average 31%) than those observed in adults receiving PRIFTIN 900 mg once weekly [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Protease Inhibitors and Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. ( 5.2 , 7.1 ) Hormonal Contraceptives: Use an effective non-hormonal method of contraception or add a barrier method of contraception during treatment with PRIFTIN. ( 7.3 ) May increase metabolism and decrease the activity of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2C8/9. Dosage adjustments may be necessary if given concomitantly. ( 7.4 ) 7.1 Protease Inhibitors and Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors Rifapentine is an inducer of CYP450 enzymes. Concomitant use of PRIFTIN with other drugs metabolized by these enzymes, such as protease inhibitors and certain reverse transcriptase inhibitors, may cause a significant decrease in plasma concentrations and loss of therapeutic effect of the protease inhibitor or reverse transcriptase inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.2 Fixed-Dose Combination of Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, and Tenofovir Once-weekly coadministration of 900 mg PRIFTIN with the antiretroviral fixed-dose combination of efavirenz 600 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg in HIV-infected patients did not result in any substantial change in steady state exposures of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir. No clinically significant change in CD4 cell counts or viral loads were noted [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.3 Hormonal Contraceptives PRIFTIN may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Patients using hormonal contraception should be advised to use an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception during treatment with PRIFTIN [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.4 Cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2C8/9 Rifapentine is an inducer of cytochromes P450 3A4 and P450 2C8/9. Therefore, PRIFTIN may increase the metabolism of other coadministered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Induction of enzyme activities by PRIFTIN occurred within 4 days after the first dose. Enzyme activities returned to baseline levels 14 days after discontinuing PRIFTIN. Rifampin has been reported to accelerate the metabolism and may reduce the activity of the following drugs; hence, PRIFTIN may also increase the metabolism and decrease the activity of these drugs. Dosage adjustments of the drugs in Table 4 or of other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 or P450 2C8/9 may be necessary if they are given concurrently with PRIFTIN. Table 4: Drug Interactions with PRIFTIN: Dosage Adjustment May be Necessary Drug Class Examples of Drugs Within Class Antiarrhythmics Disopyramide, mexiletine, quinidine, tocainide Antibiotics Chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dapsone, doxycycline; Fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin) Oral Anticoagulants Warfarin Anticonvulsants Phenytoin Antimalarials Quinine Azole Antifungals Fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole Antipsychotics Haloperidol Barbiturates Phenobarbital Benzodiazepines Diazepam Beta-Blockers Propranolol Calcium Channel Blockers Diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil Cardiac Glycoside Preparations Digoxin Corticosteroids Prednisone Fibrates Clofibrate Oral Hypoglycemics Sulfonylureas (e.g., glyburide, glipizide) Hormonal Contraceptives/Progestins Ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel Immunosuppressants Cyclosporine, tacrolimus Methylxanthines Theophylline Narcotic analgesics Methadone Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors Sildenafil Thyroid preparations Levothyroxine Tricyclic antidepressants Amitriptyline, nortriptyline 7.5 Other Interactions The conversion of PRIFTIN to 25-desacetyl rifapentine is mediated by an esterase enzyme. There is minimal potential for PRIFTIN metabolism to be inhibited or induced by another drug, based upon the characteristics of the esterase enzymes. Since PRIFTIN is highly bound to albumin, drug displacement interactions may also occur [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 7.6 Interactions with Laboratory Tests Therapeutic concen
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE While there is no experience with the treatment of acute overdose with PRIFTIN, clinical experience with rifamycins suggests that gastric lavage to evacuate gastric contents (within a few hours of overdose), followed by instillation of an activated charcoal slurry into the stomach, may help adsorb any remaining drug from the gastrointestinal tract. Rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine are 97.7% and 93.2% plasma protein bound, respectively. Rifapentine and related compounds excreted in urine account for only 17% of the administered dose, therefore, neither hemodialysis nor forced diuresis is expected to enhance the systemic elimination of unchanged rifapentine from the body of a patient with PRIFTIN overdose.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

2 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.