Rifinah

• In Aotearoa New Zealand Rifinah tablets are available in 2 strengths.
  • Rifinah 150/100mg tablets
  • Rifinah 300/150mg tablets
• The dose of Rifinah is different for different people, depending on your body weight.
• Always take Rifinah exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing of your dose: Take your Rifinah tablets once a day on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before, or 2 hours after, food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Don't take indigestion remedies, iron or calcium preparations within 2 hours of taking this medicine.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose at the right time. Don't take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you often forget to take Rifinah, your tuberculosis may not be fully treated.
• Finish the course. You will be asked to take Rifinah every day. Continue to take the tablets every day unless your doctor tells you to stop. This is because it's important for you to finish the  course so that the infection doesn't come back. If you stop taking the tablets (such as if you think you may be developing side-effects – see also below) then you must let your doctor know about it straightaway so that you can be given different treatment for your TB.

Here are some things to know when you're taking Rifinah. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• This medicine may colour your teeth, urine, saliva and other body secretions a yellow, orange, red, or brown colour. This is harmless. 
• If you wear soft contact lenses, Rifinah can cause your lenses to become discoloured or stained. Talk to your your doctor or optician about this. A different type of contact lens may be more suitable for you, or you may choose to wear glasses while you're being treated.
• Some foods and drinks may interact with Rifinah. Try to avoid eating foods containing histamine or tyramine (eg, cheese, fermented foods and sauces, soy sauce, yeast extract, some fish such as tuna, and red wine). Taking Rifinah with these foods may cause you to have a fast heart beat, palpitations, flushing, throbbing headache, dizziness, or sweating.
• Rifinah can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Rifinah and before starting any new products.
• If you're taking birth control pills, extra care is needed as Rifinah may affect how they work. Talk to your doctor about suitable contraception. You may need to use additional birth control methods while taking Rifinah, and for 4 weeks after stopping.
• Limit alcohol while you are taking Rifinah. Alcohol can increase your chance of side effects, eg, problems with your liver.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, epilepsy, HIV, or problems with your kidneys or liver.

Like all medicines, Rifinah can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.