Sirturo
Generic name:bedaquiline [ bed-AK-wi-leen ]
Drug class:Diarylquinolines
What is Sirturo?
Sirturo is an antibiotic that is used together with other medications to treat tuberculosis of the lungs that has been resistant to other antibacterial medications.
Sirturo is for use in adults and children at least 5 years old and weighing at least 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
Sirturo can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects. This medicine should be used only if you have no other treatment options.
Warnings
Sirturo can cause serious and sometimes fatal side effects. This medicine should be used only if you have no other treatment options. Use only the prescribed dose of this medication, and follow all patient instructions for safe use.
Sirturo can cause a serious side effect on your heart. Tell your doctor if you have fast or irregular heartbeats and sudden dizziness, like you might pass out.
Before taking this medicine
To make sure Sirturo is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems or a heart rhythm disorder;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
liver or kidney disease; or
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood).
Follow your doctor's instructions about using Sirturo if you are pregnant. Having tuberculosis during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.
If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice decreased appetite, sleepiness, nausea, stomach pain or swelling, dark urine, clay-colored-stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes in the nursing baby.
How should I take Sirturo?
Take Sirturo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
You may receive Sirturo in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.
Sirturo is usually taken every day for 2 weeks, and then only 3 times per week (at least 48 hours between doses) for the next 22 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. You may need to take fewer tablets for each dose after the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Always take Sirturo with food.
Take the 100-milligram (mg) tablet with water. Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
The 20-mg tablet may be broken along the split line if needed.
If you cannot swallow a 20-mg tablet whole, you may dissolve the tablet in water, and then mix it with a beverage or soft food. Read and car...
