Bedaquiline

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Sirturo

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat TB (tuberculosis).
• This drug is taken with other drugs. Be sure you know about the warnings, benefits, and risks of these other drugs. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about any of the drugs.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking any drugs that can raise the chance of liver problems. There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• If you take any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, seizures, and others. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this drug.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while taking this drug and for 27.5 months after the last dose. If infant formula is not available and you must breast-feed, talk to your doctor about how to watch your baby for signs of side effects like liver problems.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
• In one study, an increased risk of death was seen in people taking this drug compared to people not taking it. The cause of this is not known. This drug is only for use when other drugs cannot be used.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug while you are pregnant.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Chest pain.
• Coughing up blood.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Dry skin.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain.
• Decreased appetite.
• Trouble sleeping.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Take with food.
• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• It is important that you do not miss or skip a dose of this drug during treatment.

20 mg tablets:

• The tablets may be split based on the dose that is needed. If splitting the tablets, only split on the score line.
• If you cannot swallow tablets, the tablet may be crushed and added to a small amount of soft food like yogurt, apple sauce, mashed banana, or porridge. Take the mixture right away. Do not store for future use. Make sure no drug is left in the container; add more soft food and it take right away.
• You may also mix the tablets in water in a cup. Use 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of water for up to 5 tablets. If needed, you can add at least 1 more teaspoon of drink or soft food. This includes water, milk products, apple juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, carbonated drinks, yogurt, apple sauce, mashed banana, or porridge. Mix well and take right away. If your dose is more than 5 tablets, do these steps again. Add more drink or soft food to rinse the cup and take right away.
• Those who have feeding tubes may use this drug. Use as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.

100 mg tablets:

• Swallow whole with a drink of water.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Weeks 1 and 2:

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.

Week 3 or more:

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
• Be sure that there are at least 24 hours between taking a missed dose and the next dose. Do not take more doses in a week than you were told by your doctor.
• If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All products:

• Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Store in the original container with the lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

20 mg tablets:

• The bottle has a desiccant in it to keep the drug dry. Keep the desiccant in the bottle. Do not eat or swallow the desiccant.

100 mg tablets:

• If stored outside of the original container, throw away any part not used after 3 months.

General drug facts

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-07-05

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