Type of medicine: antituberculosis
Generic and brand names: ethionamide, oral; Trecator
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat tuberculosis infections. It is prescribed with other medicines. When used alone, there is a risk that you will develop resistance to the infection and this medicine will no longer be effective.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Your healthcare provider may want your vision checked before you start taking this medicine and while you are taking it.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine with food to lessen stomach upset. If your healthcare provider prescribes an antacid, take it 1Â hour before or after this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Keep taking it even if you feel better.
Do not use this medicine for any other infection unless your healthcare provider approves.
Your healthcare provider may instruct you to take a vitamin (pyridoxine/vitamin B-6) with this medicine to lessen its side effects.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are taking only one dose a day and you miss the dose one day, do not double the dose the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine may make you more sensitive to the sun than you normally are. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. The sun or ultraviolet light may cause your skin to turn gray or blue where it has been exposed to the sun.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly while you are taking this medicine. You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you become weak or very tired, lose your appetite, feel nauseous or vomit, or develop any eye problems while you are taking this medicine.
Daily use of alcohol while you are taking this medicine may cause liver problems. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause eye problems or make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop blurred vision or if you have any change in your vision with or without eye pain.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Check your blood glucose more often while taking this medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe tiredness, nausea, vomiting, fever, dark urine, headache, muscle or joint pain, yellowing of your eyes and skin, light-colored bowel movements, depression, confusion, numbness, vision problems, unusual bruising or bleeding, fainting, seizures.
Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness, mouth sores, loss of appetite, diarrhea, change in sexual ability or desire, metallic taste in mouth, mouth watering, swollen or painful breasts (in men).
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
This medicine may increase the side effects of other medicines you must take to treat tuberculosis. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines you are taking.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
