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Priftin
Drug Description
Priftin
(rifapentine) Tablets
DRUG DESCRIPTION
PRIFTIN (rifapentine) for oral administration contains 150 mg of the active ingredient rifapentine per tablet.
The 150 mg tablets also contain, as inactive ingredients: calcium stearate, disodium EDTA, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose USP, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, pregelatinized starch, propylene glycol, sodium ascorbate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Rifapentine is a rifamycin derivative antibiotic and has a similar profile of microbiological activity to rifampin (rifampicin). The molecular weight is 877.04.
The molecular formula is C47H64N4O12.
The chemical name for rifapentine is rifamycin, 3-[[(4-cyclopentyl-1-piperazinyl)imino]methyl]- or 3-[N-(4-Cyclopentyl - 1-piperazinyl)formimidoyl] rifamycin or 5,6,9,17,19,21-hexahydroxy23-methoxy-2,4,12,16,18,20,22-heptamethyl-8-[N-(4-cyclopentyl-l-piperazinyl)-formimidoyl]2,7-(epoxypentadeca[1,11,13]trienimino)naphtho[2,1-b]furan-1,11(2H)-dione 21-acetate. It has the following structure:
 |
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
INDICATIONS
PRIFTIN® is indicated for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. PRIFTIN must always be used in combination with one or more antituberculosis drugs to which the isolate is susceptible depending on the phase of treatment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and Clinical Studies].
Limitations of Use
PRIFTIN should not be used as a once weekly Continuation Phase regimen in combination with isoniazid in HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis because of a higher rate of failure and/or relapse documented with the presence of rifampin-resistant organisms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Clinical Studies].
PRIFTIN has not been studied as part of the Initial Phase treatment regimen in HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
PRIFTIN should not be used as monotherapy in either the initial or the continuation phases of antituberculous treatment.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Dosage
PRIFTIN has been studied for the treatment of tuberculosis caused by drug-susceptible organisms as part of regimens consisting of an initial 2 month phase followed by a 4 month continuation phase.
These recommendations apply only to the treatment of patients with drug-susceptible organisms.
Initial Phase (2 Months) of short course treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis
PRIFTIN should be administered at a dose of 600 mg (4 x 150 mg tablets) twice weekly for two months by direct observation of therapy, 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 ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin.
The determination of the companion drugs to be used should be made by the treating physician and depends on the results of susceptibility testing as well as the phase of treatment. PRIFTIN has been studied as part of the initial regimen with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol [see Clinical Studies].
Continuation Phase (4 Months) of short course treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis
Following the Initial Phase (2 months), Continuation Phase (4 months) treatment may consist of PRIFTIN 600 mg once weekly for 4 months in combination with isoniazid or an appropriate antituberculosis agent for susceptible organisms by direct observation therapy.
PRIFTIN was studied as a component of a 4 month continuation phase in conjunction with INH 900 mg once a week in two clinical studies [see Clinical Studies].
The prescribing physician is directed to current guidelines for further direction on other possible components of the Continuation Phase regimen as well as for directions on extending this phase.
Administration
Take PRIFTIN with meals. Administration of rifapentine with a meal increases oral bioavailability and may reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and/or vomiting. [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In patients with conditions which predispose them to neuropathy (e.g., nutritional deficiency, HIV infection, renal failure, alcoholism, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women), concomitant administration of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is recommended in order to avoid INH-associated peripheral neuropathy (see American Thoracic Society/Centers for Disease Control/Infectious Disease Society of America Guideline for the Treatment of Tuberculosis and Tuberculosis Infection in Adults and Children).
HOW SUPPLIED
Dosage Forms And Strengths
PRIFTIN is supplied as 150 mg round normal convex dark-pink film-coated tablets debossed “Priftin” on top and “150” on the bottom.
PRIFTIN is supplied as 150 mg round normal convex dark-pink film-coated tablets debossed “Priftin” on top and “150” on the bottom, packaged in aluminum formable foil blister strips placed in cartons of 32 tablets (4 strips of 8). Each strip of 8 tablets is inserted into an aluminum foil laminated pouch. (NDC 0088-2100-03).
Storage
Store at 25°C15-30°C Temperature). Protect from excessive heat and humidity.
Revised June 2009. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
SIDE EFFECTS
Serious and Otherwise Important Adverse Reactions
The following serious and otherwise important adverse drug reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of labeling:
- Hypersensitivity [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]
- Hepatotoxicity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Hyperbilirubinemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Discoloration of Body Fluids [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Porphyria [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
- Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
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.
The data described below reflect exposure to PRIFTIN in a randomized, open label, active-controlled trial of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, excluding those with HIV-infection. The population consisted of primarily of male subjects with a mean age of 37 initial 2 month phase of treatment (60 days), 361 patients received rifapentine 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 completed. During the 4 month continuation phase, 321 patients in the rifapentine group continued to receive rifapentine 600 mg dosed once weekly with isoniazid and 307 patients in the rifampin arm received twice weekly rifampin and isoniazid. Both treatment groups received pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) over the 6 month treatment period.
Twenty-two deaths occurred in the study (eleven in the rifampin combination therapy group and eleven in the rifapentine combination therapy group).
In the study, 18/361 (5.0%) rifampin combination therapy patients discontinued the study due to an adverse reaction compared to 11/361 (3.0%) rifapentine combination therapy patients. Three patients (two rifampin combination therapy patients and one rifapentine combination therapy patient) were discontinued in the Initial Phase as a result of hepatitis with increased liver function tests (ALT, AST, LDH, and bilirubin). Concomitant medications for all three patients included isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and pyridoxine. The two rifampin patients and one rifapentine patient recovered without sequelae.
As shown in Table 1, hyperuricemia was the most frequently reported reaction and was most likely related to the pyrazinamide since only two cases were reported in the Continuation Phase when this drug was no longer included in the treatment regimen.
Seven patients had adverse reactions associated with an overdose. In the rifampin combination group these reactions included hematuria, anorexia, back pain, arthralgia, and myalgia. In the rifapentine combination group these reactions included hematuria, neutropenia, hyperglycemia, ALT increased, hyperuricemia, pruritus, and arthritis.
The following table (Table 1) presents treatment-emergent adverse reactions associated with the use of any of the four drugs in the regimens (rifapentine/rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, or ethambutol) which occurred in ≥ 1% of patients during treatment and post-treatment through the first three months of follow-up.
Table 1 : Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions Occurring
in 1% of Patients
| System Organ Class Preferred Term |
Initial Phase1 | Continuation Phase2 | Total3 | |||
| Rifapentine Combination (N=361) N(%) |
Rifampin Combination (N=361) N(%) |
Rifapentine Combination (N=304) N(%) |
Rifampin Combination (N=317) N(%) |
Rifapentine Combination (N=361) N(%) |
Rifampin Combination (N=361) N(%) |
|
| RENAL & URINARY | ||||||
| Pyuria | 39 (10.8) | 56 (15.5) | 47 (14.8) | 36 (11.8) | 78 (21.6) | 83 (23.0) |
| Proteinuria | 36 (10.0) | 53 (14.7) | 14 (4.4) | 27 (8.9) | 47 (13.0) | 71 (19.7) |
| Hematuria | 39 (10.8) | 38 (10.5) | 32 (10.1) | 27 (8.9) | 64 (17.7) | 61 (16.9) |
| Urinary Tract Infection | 32 (8.9) | 24 (6.6) | 23 (7.3) | 10 (3.3) | 48 (13.3) | 32 (8.9) |
| Urinary Casts | 20 (5.5) | 22 (6.1) | 11 (3.5) | 7 (2.3) | 29 (8.0) | 28 (7.8) |
| Cystitis | 5 (1.4) | 6 (1.7) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 6 (1.7) | 7 (1.9) |
| METABOLIC & NUTRITIONAL | ||||||
| Hyperuricemia | 115 (31.9) | 83 (23.0) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.7) | 115 (31.9) | 83 (23.0) |
| Hyperkalemia | 14 (3.9) | 22 (6.1) | 20 (6.3) | 21 (6.9) | 33 (9.1) | 41 (11.4) |
| Hypoglycemia | 22 (6.1) | 27 (7.5) | 15 (4.7) | 11 (3.6) | 36 (10.0) | 35 (9.7) |
| Nonprotein Nitrogen Increased | 4 (1.1) | 3 (0.8) | 10 (3.2) | 15 (4.9) | 14 (3.9) | 17 (4.7) |
| Hyperglycemia | 10 (2.8) | 8 (2.2) | 4 (1.3) | 2 (0.7) | 13 (3.6) | 9 (2.5) |
| LDH Increased | 5 (1.4) | 7 (1.9) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.7) | 5 (1.4) | 9 (2.5) |
| Hyperphosphatemia | 2 (0.6) | 1 (0.3) | 3 (0.9) | 5 (1.6) | 5 (1.4) | 6 (1.7) |
| HEMATOLOGIC | ||||||
| Anemia | 41 (11.4) | 41 (11.4) | 5 (1.6) | 10 (3.3) | 44 (12.2) | 51 (14.1) |
| Lymphopenia | 38 (10.5) | 37 (10.2) | 10 (3.2) | 9 (3.0) | 46 (12.7) | 45 (12.5) |
| Neutropenia | 22 (6.1) | 21 (5.8) | 27 (8.5) | 24 (7.9) | 45 (12.5) | 41 (11.4) |
| Leukopenia | 16 (4.4) | 11 (3.0) | 11 (3.5) | 9 (3.0) | 24 (6.6) | 17 (4.7) |
| Leukocytosis | 6 (1.7) | 13 (3.6) | 5 (1.6) | 2 (0.7) | 11 (3.0) | 15 (4.2) |
| Neutrophilia | 5 (1.4) | 11 (3.0) | 4 (1.3) | 2 (0.7) | 9 (2.5) | 13 (3.6) |
| Thrombocytosis | 20 (5.5) | 13 (3.6) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 20 (5.5) | 13 (3.6) |
| Thrombocytopenia | 6 (1.7) | 6 (1.7) | 4 (1.3) | 6 (2.0) | 9 (2.5) | 11 (3.0) |
| Polycythemia | 3 (0.8) | 2 (0.6) | 5 (1.6) | 3 (1.0) | 8 (2.2) | 5 (1.4) |
| Lymphadenopathy | 4 (1.1) | 2 (0.6) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.7) | 4 (1.1) | 4 (1.1) |
| BODY AS A WHOLE GENERAL | ||||||
| Back Pain | 15 (4.2) | 11 (3.0) | 11 (3.5) | 4 (1.3) | 25 (6.9) | 15 (4.2) |
| Pain | 14 (3.9) | 17 (4.7) | 8 (2.5) | 5 (1.6) | 22 (6.1) | 22 (6.1) |
| Chest Pain | 10 (2.8) | 11 (3.0) | 10 (3.2) | 5 (1.6) | 20 (5.5) | 16 (4.4) |
| Injury Accident | 5 (1.4) | 5 (1.4) | 12 (3.8) | 14 (4.6) | 17 (4.7) | 17 (4.7) |
| Abdominal Pain | 3 (0.8) | 3 (0.8) | 4 (1.3) | 4 (1.3) | 7 (1.9) | 7 (1.9) |
| Fever | 5 (1.4) | 7 (1.9) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 5 (1.4) | 7 (1.9) |
| Fatigue | 3 (0.8) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 3 (1.0) | 4 (1.1) | 4 (1.1) |
| Edema Dependent | 4 (1.1) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.3) | 4 (1.1) | 2 (0.6) |
| DERMATOLOGIC | ||||||
| Rash | 15 (4.2) | 26 (7.2) | 8 (2.5) | 8 (2.6) | 22 (6.1) | 33 (9.1) |
| Sweating Increased | 19 (5.3) | 18 (5.0) | 5 (1.6) | 4 (1.3) | 23 (6.4) | 22 (6.1) |
| Pruritus | 10 (2.8) | 16 (4.4) | 3 (0.9) | 0 (0.0) | 13 (3.6) | 16 (4.4) |
| Acne | 9 (2.5) | 5 (1.4) | 0 (0.0) | 3 (1.0) | 9 (2.5) | 8 (2.2) |
| Skin Disorder | 2 (0.6) | 3 (0.8) | 3 (0.9) | 5 (1.6) | 5 (1.4) | 8 (2.2) |
| Rash Maculopapular | 6 (1.7) | 3 (0.8) | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.3) | 6 (1.7) | 4 (1.1) |
| Eczema | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.6) | 3 (0.9) | 2 (0.7) | 4 (1.1) | 3 (0.8) |
| RESPIRATORY | ||||||
| Hemoptysis | 27 (7.5) | 20 (5.5) | 6 (1.9) | 6 (2.0) | 30 (8.3) | 25 (6.9) |
| Coughing | 21 (5.8) | 8 (2.2) | 9 (2.8) | 11 (3.6) | 29 (8.0) | 17 (4.7) |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 5 (1.4) | 9 (2.5) | 12 (3.8) | 15 (4.9) | 17 (4.7) | 22 (6.1) |
| Bronchitis | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 8 (2.5) | 1 (0.3) | 9 (2.5) | 2 (0.6) |
| Pharyngitis | 5 (1.4) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.6) | 5 (1.6) | 7 (1.9) | 5 (1.4) |
| Epistaxis | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.6) | 3 (0.9) | 1 (0.3) | 5 (1.4) | 3 (0.8) |
| Pleuritis | 4 (1.1) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.3) | 4 (1.1) | 2 (0.6) |
| GASTROINTESTINAL | ||||||
| Dyspepsia | 6 (1.7) | 11 (3.0) | 4 (1.3) | 6 (2.0) | 10 (2.8) | 17 (4.7) |
| Vomiting | 6 (1.7) | 14 (3.9) | 3 (0.9) | 3 (1.0) | 9 (2.5) | 17 (4.7) |
| Nausea | 7 (1.9) | 3 (0.8) | 2 (0.6) | 1 (0.3) | 9 (2.5) | 4 (1.1) |
| Constipation | 6 (1.7) | 1 (0.3) | 2 (0.6) | 1 (0.3) | 7 (1.9) | 2 (0.6) |
| Diarrhea | 5 (1.4) | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.6) | 0 (0.0) | 7 (1.9) | 2 (0.6) |
| Hemorrhoids | 4 (1.1) | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 5 (1.4) | 0 (0.0) |
| INFECTIOUS DISEASE | ||||||
| Influenza | 9 (2.5) | 8 (2.2) | 22 (6.9) | 12 (3.9) | 28 (7.8) | 20 (5.5) |
| Infection Tuberculosis | 0 (0.0) | 5 (1.4) | 9 (2.8) | 4 (1.3) | 9 (2.5) | 9 (2.5) |
| Infection | 1 (0.3) | 2 (0.6) | 4 (1.3) | 4 (1.3) | 5 (1.4) | 6 (1.7) |
| Herpes Zoster | 2 (0.6) | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.6) | 3 (1.0) | 4 (1.1) | 3 (0.8) |
| HEPATIC & BILIARY | ||||||
| ALT Increased | 18 (5.0) | 23 (6.4) | 7 (2.2) | 10 (3.3) | 25 (6.9) | 32 (8.9) |
| AST Increased | 15 (4.2) | 18 (5.0) | 7 (2.2) | 8 (2.6) | 21 (5.8) | 26 (7.2) |
| NEUROLOGIC | ||||||
| Headache | 11 (3.0) | 13 (3.6) | 3 (0.9) | 7 (2.3) | 14 (3.9) | 20 (5.5) |
| Dizziness | 5 (1.4) | 5 (1.4) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 6 (1.7) | 6 (1.7) |
| Tremor | 3 (0.8) | 1 (0.3) | 2 (0.6) | 0 (0.0) | 5 (1.4) | 1 (0.3) |
| PSYCHIATRIC | ||||||
| Anorexia | 14 (3.9) | 18 (5.0) | 8 (2.5) | 6 (2.0) | 21 (5.8) | 22 (6.1) |
| Insomnia | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.6) | 2 (0.7) | 4 (1.1) | 4 (1.1) |
| MUSCULOSKELETAL | ||||||
| Arthralgia | 13 (3.6) | 13 (3.6) | 3 (0.9) | 5 (1.6) | 16 (4.4) | 18 (5.0) |
| Arthritis | 4 (1.1) | 5 (1.4) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 4 (1.1) | 5 (1.4) |
| Arthrosis | 4 (1.1) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 1 (0.3) | 4 (1.1) | 2 (0.6) |
| Gout | 3 (0.8) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 0 (0.0) | 4 (1.1) | 1 (0.3) |
| CARDIOVASCULAR | ||||||
| Hypertension | 3 (0.8) | 5 (1.4) | 3 (0.9) | 2 (0.7) | 6 (1.7) | 7 (1.9) |
| OPHTHALMOLOGIC | ||||||
| Conjuctivitis | 8 (2.2) | 2 (0.6) | 1 (0.3) | 1 (0.3) | 9 (2.5) | 3 (0.8) |
| Note: 1% refers to rifapentine in the TOTAL column. 1 Initial Phase consisted of therapy with either rifapentine or rifampin combined with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol administered daily (rifapentine twice weekly) for 60 days. 2 Continuation Phase consisted of therapy with either rifapentine or rifampin combined with isoniazid for 120 days. Rifapentine patients were dosed once weekly; rifampin patients were dosed twice weekly. 3 A patient may have experienced the same adverse reaction more than once during the course of the study, therefore, patient counts across the columns may not equal the patient counts in the TOTAL column. |
||||||
In addition to the adverse reactions reported in Table 1, adverse reactions were reported posttreatment during the 3 month through 24 month follow-up period. Although the protocol for this study specified collection of serious adverse reactions during this period, some non-serious adverse reactions were reported as well. For the rifapentine combination group these included the following: hematuria, infection tuberculosis, proteinuria, urinary casts, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, injury accident, skin disorder, respiratory disorder, stupor, prostatic disorder.
Treatment-emergent adverse reactions reported during treatment and post-treatment through the first three months of follow-up in < 1% of the rifapentine combination therapy patients are presented below by body system in order of frequency.
Renal & Urinary: urethral disorder, dysuria, pyelonephritis, urinary incontinence, urination disorder.
Metabolic & Nutritional: weight decrease, BUN increased, diabetes mellitus, alkaline phosphatase increased, hypophosphatemia, hypercalcemia, hypovolemia, weight increase.
Hematologic: lymphocytosis, hematoma, purpura, anemia hypochromic, anemia normocytic, thrombosis.
Body as a Whole - General: laboratory test abnormal, edema legs, asthenia, edema face, abscess, edema peripheral, malaise.
Dermatologic: skin ulceraction, urticaria, dry skin, furunculosis, skin discoloration, dermatitis fungal, nail disorder, alopecia, rash erythematous.
Respiratory: abnormal breath sounds, pneumothorax, pneumonia, pleural effusion, rhinitis, dyspnea, pneumonitis, sinusitis, sputum increased, pulmonary fibrosis, upper respiratory congestion, asthma, chest x-ray abnormal, bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, laryngitis, respiratory disorder,
Gastrointestinal: tooth disorder, gastroenteritis, gastritis, esophagitis, cheilitis, dry mouth, pancreatitis, proctitis, salivary gland enlargement, tenesmus, gastrointestinal disorder not specified.
Infectious Disease: infection fungal, infection parasitic, infection protozoan.
Hepatic & Biliary: bilirubinemia, hepatomegaly, jaundice.
Neurologic: somnolence, seizure not specified, dysphonia, hypoesthesia, torticollis, hypertonia, hyporeflexia, meningitis, migraine headache, stupor.
Psychiatric: anxiety, confusion, drug abuse, aggressive reaction, agitation.
Musculoskeletal: myalgia, myositis, bone fracture, muscle weakness, muscle spasm.
Cardiovascular: syncope, tachycardia, palpitation, hypotension orthostatic, pericarditis.
Reproductive Disorders: penis disorder, vaginitis, vaginal hemorrhage, cervical smear test positive, leukorrhea, mastitis male, prostatic disorder.
Hearing & Vestibular: ear disorder not specified, otitis media, earache, otitis externa, tympanic membrane perforation.
Ophthalmologic: eye pain, eye abnormality.
Neoplasms: pulmonary carcinoma, neoplasm not specified, carcinoma, lipoma.
Vascular<(Extracardiac): thrombophlebitis deep, vascular disorder, vasodilation.
Special Senses Other: taste loss.
Pregnancy, puerperium and perinatal conditions: abortion
In another randomized, open-label trial in 1075 HIV seronegative and seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis the overall adverse event rate did not differ substantially from the previous trial. Patients who had completed an initial 2 month phase of treatment with 4 drugs were randomly assigned to receive either rifapentine 600 mg and isoniazid once weekly or rifampin and isoniazid twice weekly for the 4 month continuation phase.
In the rifapentine arm, 502 HIV seronegative and 36 HIV seropositive patients were randomized and in the rifampin arm 502 HIV seronegative and 35 HIV seropositive patients were randomized to treatment.
The death rate among all study participants was 71/1075 (6.6%) and did not differ between the two treatment groups (6.5% for the rifapentine combination regimen compared to 6.7% for the rifampin combination regimen; P = 0.87).
There were 526 treatment-emergent adverse events regardless of causality reported from 251 patients treated with the rifapentine combination regimen and 513 adverse events reported from 248 patients treated with the rifampin combination regimen. On both study arms the most frequently reported adverse events were hyperglycemia, pneumonia, liver toxicity, and death and were consistent with concurrent underlying conditions that included alcohol abuse, pancreatitis and HIV.
There was a greater percentage of patients in the rifampin combination arm who developed hepatic adverse events (35/513; 6.8 %) compared to 20/526 (3.8%) in the rifapentine combination arm. The types of other adverse events were similar between the treatment arms.
Hyperuricemia was not reported as an adverse reaction in this study of continuation phase therapy. In the previous study which evaluated initial therapy containing pyrazinamide, hyperuricemia was reported in 32% of rifapentine and 23% of rifampin combination treated patients (see Table 1).
DRUG INTERACTIONS
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 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 and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]
Hormonal Contraceptives
PRIFTIN may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, patients using oral, transdermal patch, or other systemic hormonal contraceptives should be advised to change to non-hormonal methods of birth control.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 and 2C8/9
Rifapentine is an inducer of cytochromes P4503A4 and P4502C8/9. Therefore, rifapentine may increase the metabolism of other coadministered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Induction of enzyme activities by rifapentine occurred within 4 days after the first dose. Enzyme activities returned to baseline levels 14 days after discontinuing rifapentine. In addition, the magnitude of enzyme induction by rifapentine was dose and dosing frequency dependent; less enzyme induction occurred when 600 mg oral doses of rifapentine were given once every 72 hours versus daily.
In vitro and in vivo enzyme induction studies have suggested rifapentine induction potential may be less than rifampin but more potent than rifabutin.
Rifampin has been reported to accelerate the metabolism and may reduce the activity of the following drugs; hence, rifapentine may also increase the metabolism and decrease the activity of these drugs. Dosage adjustments of the drugs in Table 2 or of other drugs metabolized by cytochrome P4503A4 or P4502C8/9 may be necessary if they are given concurrently with rifapentine.
Table 2 : 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 | Propanolol |
| 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 |
| Phophodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors | Sildenafil |
| Thyroid preparations | Levothyroxine |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Amitriptyline, nortriptyline |
Other Interactions
The conversion of rifapentine to 25-desacetyl rifapentine is mediated by an esterase enzyme. There is minimal potential for rifapentine metabolism to be inhibited or induced by another drug, or for rifapentine to inhibit the metabolism of another drug based upon the characteristics of the esterase enzymes.
Rifapentine does not induce its own metabolism [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Since rifapentine is highly bound to albumin, drug displacement interactions may also occur [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Interactions with Laboratory Tests
Therapeutic concentrations of rifampin have been shown to inhibit standard microbiological assays for serum folate and Vitamin B12. Similar drug-laboratory interactions should be considered for rifapentine; thus, alternative assay methods should be considered.
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
PRECAUTIONS
HIV Seropositive Patients
PRIFTIN should not be used as a once weekly Continuation Phase regimen in combination with isoniazid in HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis because of a higher rate of failure and/or relapse documented with the presence of rifampin-resistant organisms [see Clinical Studies].
PRIFTIN has not been studied as part of the Initial Phase treatment regimen in HIV seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
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 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 DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]
Relapse of Tuberculosis
PRIFTIN should be used cautiously in subjects with cavitary pulmonary lesions and/or positive sputum cultures after the initial phase of treatment or in those with evidence of bilateral pulmonary disease due to higher rates of relapse. [see Clinical Studies].
Poor compliance with the dosage regimen, particularly during the initial phase in the companion antituberculosis drugs administered with rifapentine, is associated with late sputum conversion and a high relapse rate. Therefore, compliance with the full course of therapy must be emphasized, and the importance of not missing any doses must be stressed [see Patient Counseling Information].
Higher relapse rates have also been seen in HIV positive patients receiving PRIFTIN during the continuation phase. Risk factors for relapse included the presence of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease at baseline, low CD4 counts, use of azole antifungals and age (younger) [see Clinical Studies].
Hepatotoxicity
Since antituberculous multidrug treatments, including the rifamycin class, are associated with serious hepatic events, patients with abnormal liver tests and/or liver disease should only be given rifapentine in cases of necessity and then with caution and under strict medical supervision. In these patients, careful monitoring of liver tests (especially serum transaminases) should be carried out prior to therapy and then every 2 to 4 weeks during therapy. If signs of liver disease occur or worsen, rifapentine should be discontinued. Hepatotoxicity of other antituberculosis drugs (eg, isoniazid, pyrazinamide) used in combination with rifapentine should also be taken into account.
Hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia resulting from competition for excretory pathways between rifapentine and bilirubin cannot be excluded since competition between the related drug rifampin and bilirubin can occur. An isolated report showing a moderate rise in bilirubin and/or transaminase level is not in itself an indication for interrupting treatment; rather, the decision should be made after repeating the tests, noting trends in the levels and considering them in conjunction with the patient's clinical condition.
Discoloration of Body Fluids
PRIFTIN may produce a predominately red-orange discoloration of body tissues and/or fluids (eg, skin, teeth, tongue, urine, feces, saliva, sputum, tears, sweat, and cerebrospinal fluid). Contact lenses or dentures may become permanently stained.
Porphyria
PRIFTIN should not be used in patients with porphyria. Rifampin has enzyme-inducing properties, including induction of delta amino levulinic acid synthetase. Isolated reports have associated porphyria exacerbation with rifampin administration. Based on these isolated reports with rifampin, it may be assumed that rifapentine has a similar effect.
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including the rifamycins, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.
C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.
If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Fertility, Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis
Hepatocellular carcinomas were increased in male NMRI mice (Harlan Winklemann) which were treated orally with rifapentine for two years at or above doses of 5 mg/kg/day (equivalent to a human dose of 0.4 mg/kg/day or 1/5 th of the recommended human dose, in the intensive phase, based on body surface area conversions). In a two year rat study, there was an increase in nasal cavity adenomas in Wistar rats treated orally with rifapentine at 40 mg/kg/day (equivalent to a human dose of 6.5 mg/kg/day or 3 times the recommended human dose in the intensive phase, based on body surface area conversions).
Rifapentine was negative in the following genotoxicity tests: in vitro gene mutation assay in bacteria (Ames test); in vitro point mutation test in Aspergillus nidulans; in vitro gene conversion assay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; host-mediated (mouse) gene conversion assay with Saccharomyces cerevisiae; in vitro Chinese hamster ovary cell/hypoxanthineguaninephosphoribosyl transferase (CHO/HGPRT) forward mutation assay; in vitro chromosomal aberration assay utilizing rat lymphocytes; and in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.
The 25-desacetyl metabolite of rifapentine was positive in the in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test in V79 Chinese Hamster cells, but was negative in the in vitro gene mutation assay in bacteria (Ames test), the in vitro Chinese hamster ovary cell/hypoxanthine-guaninephosphoribosyl transferase (CHO/HGPRT) forward mutation assay, and the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay. Fertility and reproductive performance were not affected by oral administration of rifapentine to male and female rats at doses of up to one-third of the human dose (based on body surface area conversions).
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
There are no adequate and well controlled studies of rifapentine use during pregnancy. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, rifapentine produced fetal harm and was teratogenic. However, because animal studies are not always predictive of human response, rifapentine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
When administered during the last few weeks of pregnancy, rifampin, another rifamycin, may increase the risk for maternal postpartum hemorrhage and bleeding in the exposed infant. Therefore, pregnant women and their infants, who are exposed to rifapentine during the last few weeks of pregnancy, should have appropriate monitoring of clotting parameters. Treatment with Vitamin K may be indicated.
Six patients randomized to rifapentine became pregnant during a study of initial treatment of tuberculosis. Two delivered normal infants; two had first trimester spontaneous abortions; one had an elective abortion; and one patient was lost to follow-up. The two patients who spontaneously aborted had co-morbid conditions: One patient abused ethanol and the other patient was HIV positive.
Animal studies in rats and rabbits revealed embryofetal toxicity in both species. Pregnant rats given rifapentine during organogenesis at doses 0.6 times the human dose (based on body surface area), produced pups with cleft palates, right aortic arch, increased incidence of delayed ossification, and increased numbers of ribs. When rifapentine was administered to mated female rats late in gestation, at 0.3 times the human dose (based on body surface area), pup weights and gestational survival (live pups born/pups born) were reduced compared to controls. Increased resorptions and post implantation loss, decreased mean fetal weights, increased numbers of stillborn pups, and slightly increased pup mortality during lactation were also noted. When pregnant rabbits received rifapentine at doses 0.3 to 1.3 times the human dose (based on body surface area), major fetal malformations occurred including: ovarian agenesis, pes varus, arhinia, microphthalmia and irregularities of the ossified facial tissues. At the higher dose, there were increases in post-implantation loss and the incidence of stillborn pups.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether rifapentine is excreted into human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother and the benefits of breastfeeding. Since rifapentine may produce a red-orange discoloration of body fluids, there is a potential for discoloration of breast milk.
A slight increase in rat pup mortality was observed during lactation when dams were dosed late in gestation through lactation.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of rifapentine in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in 12- to 15-year-old healthy volunteers and the pharmacokinetics of rifapentine were similar to those observed in healthy adults [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Geriatric Use
The Clinical studies of PRIFTIN did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
OVERDOSE
There is no experience with the treatment of acute overdose with rifapentine at doses exceeding 1200 mg per dose.
In a pharmacokinetic study involving healthy volunteers (n=9), single oral doses up to 1200 mg have been administered without serious adverse events. The only adverse events reported with the 1200 mg dose were heartburn (3/8), headache (2/8) and increased urinary frequency (1/8). In clinical trials, tuberculosis patients ranging in age from 20 to 74 years accidentally received continuous daily doses of rifapentine 600 mg. Some patients received continuous daily dosing for up to 20 days without evidence of serious adverse effects. One patient experienced a transient elevation in SGPT and glucose (the latter attributed to pre-existing diabetes); a second patient experienced slight pruritus. While there is no experience with the treatment of acute overdose with rifapentine, 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.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity
PRIFTIN is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to rifamycins.
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Rifapentine, a cyclopentyl rifamycin, is an antimycobacterial agent [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Microbiology].
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
The absolute bioavailability of rifapentine has not been determined. The relative bioavailability (with an oral solution as a reference) of rifapentine after a single 600 mg dose to healthy adult volunteers was 70%. The maximum concentrations were achieved from 5 to 6 hours after administration of the 600 mg rifapentine dose.
The administration of rifapentine with a high fat meal (850 total calories: 33 g protein, 55 g fat and 58 g carbohydrate) increased AUC(0-∞) and Cmax by 43% and 44%, respectively over that observed when administered under fasting conditions.
When oral doses of rifapentine were administered once daily or once every 72 hours to healthy volunteers for 10 days, single dose AUC(0-∞) value of rifapentine was similar to its steady-state AUCss (0-24h) or AUCss (0-72h) values, suggesting no significant auto-induction effect on steady-state pharmacokinetics of rifapentine. Steady-state conditions were achieved by day 10 following daily administration of rifapentine 600 mg.
The pharmacokinetic parameters of rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine (active metabolite) on day 10 following oral administration of 600 mg rifapentine every 72 hours to healthy volunteers are contained in Table 3.
Table 3 : Pharmacokinetics and rifapentine and 25-desacetyl
rifapentine in healthy volunteers.
| Parameter | Rifapentine | 25-desacetyl Rifapentine |
| Mean ± SD (n=12) | ||
| Cmax (μg/mL) | 15.05 ± 4.62 | 6.26 ± 2.06 |
| AUC (0-72h)(μg*h/mL) | 319.54 ± 91.52 | 215.88 ± 85.96 |
| T½(h) | 13.19 ± 1.38 | 13.35 ± 2.67 |
| Tmax (h) | 4.83 ± 1.80 | 11.25 ± 2.73 |
| Clpo (L/h) | 2.03 ± 0.60 | -- |
Distribution
In a population pharmacokinetic analysis in 351 tuberculosis patients who received 600 mg rifapentine in combination with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, the estimated apparent volume of distribution was 70.2 ± 9.1 L.ealthy volunteers, rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine were 97.7% and 93.2% bound to plasma proteins, respectively. Rifapentine was mainly bound to albumin. Similar extent of protein binding was observed in healthy volunteers, asymptomatic HIV-infected subjects and hepatically impaired subjects.
Metabolism/Excretion
Following a single 600 mg oral dose of radiolabeled rifapentine to healthy volunteers (n=4), 87% of the total 14C rifapentine was recovered in the urine (17%) and feces (70%). Greater than 80% of the total 14C rifapentine dose was excreted from the body within 7 days. Rifapentine was hydrolyzed by an esterase enzyme to form a microbiologically active 25-desacetyl rifapentine. Rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine accounted for 99% of the total radioactivity in plasma. Plasma AUC(0-∞) and Cmax values of the 25-desacetyl rifapentine metabolite were one-half and one-third those of the rifapentine, respectively. Based upon relative in vitro activities and AUC(0-∞) values, rifapentine and 25-desacetyl rifapentine potentially contributes 62% and 38% to the clinical activities against M. tuberculosis, respectively.
Special Populations
Gender: In a population pharmacokinetics analysis of sparse blood samples obtained from 351 tuberculosis patients who received 600 mg rifapentine in combination with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, the estimated apparent oral clearance of rifapentine for males and females was 2.51 ± tively. The clinical significance of the0.14 L/h and 1.69 difference in the estimated apparent oral clearance is not known.
Elderly: Following oral administration of a single 600 mg dose of rifapentine to elderly ( 65 years) male healthy volunteers (n=14), the pharmacokinetics of rifapentine and 25-desacetyl metabolite were similar to that observed for young (18 to 45 years) healthy male volunteers (n=20).
Pediatric (Adolescents): In a pharmacokinetics study of rifapentine in healthy adolescents (age 12 to 15), 600 mg rifapentine was administered to those weighing 45 kg (n=10) and 450 mg was administered to those weighing < 45 kg (n=2). The pharmacokinetics of rifapentine were similar to those observed in healthy adults.
Renal Impaired Patients: The pharmacokinetics of rifapentine have not been evaluated in renal impaired patients. Although only about 17% of an administered dose is excreted via the kidneys, the clinical significance of impaired renal function on the disposition of rifapentine and its 25desacetyl metabolite is not known.
Hepatic Impaired Patients: Following oral administration of a single 600 mg dose of rifapentine to mild to severe hepatic impaired patients (n=15), the pharmacokinetics of rifapentine and 25-desacetyl metabolite were similar in patients with various degrees of hepatic impairment and to that observed in another study for healthy volunteers (n=12). Since the elimination of these agents are primarily via the liver, the clinical significance of impaired hepatic function on the disposition of rifapentine and its 25-desacetyl metabolite is not known.
Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Volunteers: Following oral administration of a single 600 mg dose of rifapentine to asymptomatic HIV-infected volunteers (n=15) under fasting conditions, mean Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of rifapentine were lower (20-32%) than that observed in other studies in healthy volunteers (n=55). In a cross-study comparison, mean Cmax and AUC values of the 25desacetyl metabolite of rifapentine, when compared to healthy volunteers were higher (6-21%) in one study (n=20), but lower (15-16%) in a different study (n=40). The clinical significance of this observation is not known. Food (850 total calories: 33 g protein, 55 g fat, and 58 g carbohydrate) increases the mean AUC and Cmax of rifapentine observed under fasting conditions in asymptomatic HIV-infected volunteers by about 51% and 53%, respectively.
Drug-Drug Interactions: Rifapentine is an inducer of cytochrome P4503A4 and 2C8/9. Therefore, it may increase the metabolism and decrease the activity of other co-administered drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes. Dosage adjustments of the co-administered drugs may be necessary if they are given concurrently with rifapentine [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Indinavir: In a study in which 600 mg rifapentine was administered twice weekly for 14 days followed by rifapentine twice weekly plus 800 mg indinavir 3 times a day for an additional 14 days, indinavir Cmax decreased by 55% while AUC reduced by 70%. Clearance of indinavir increased by 3-fold in the presence of rifapentine while half-life did not change. But when indinavir was administered for 14 days followed by coadministration with rifapentine for an additional 14 days, indinavir did not affect the pharmacokinetics of rifapentine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Microbiology
Mechanism of Action
Rifapentine, a cyclopentyl rifamycin, inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in susceptible strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis but not in mammalian cells. At therapeutic levels, rifapentine exhibits bactericidal activity against both intracellular and extracellular M. tuberculosis organisms. Both rifapentine and the 25-desacetyl metabolite accumulate in human monocyte-derived macrophages with intracellular/extracellular ratios of approximately 24:1 and 7:1, respectively.
In Vitro Activity
Rifapentine and its 25-desacetyl metabolite have demonstrated in vitro activity against rifamycin-susceptible strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis including cidal activity against phagocytized M. tuberculosis organisms grown in activated human macrophages.
The correlation between rifapentine MICs and clinical cure has not been established. Interpretive criteria/breakpoints to determine whether clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis are susceptible or resistant to rifapentine have not been established.
In Vivo Activity
In mouse infection studies a therapeutic effect, in terms of enhanced survival time or reduction of organ bioburden, has been observed in M. tuberculosis-infected animals treated with various intermittent rifapentine containing regimens. Animal studies have shown that the activity of rifapentine is influenced by dose and frequency of administration.
Drug Resistance
In the treatment of tuberculosis, a small number of resistant cells present within large populations of susceptible cells can rapidly become predominant. Rifapentine resistance development in M. tuberculosis strains is principally due to one of several single point mutations that occur in the rpoB portion of the gene coding for the beta subunit of the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The incidence of rifapentine resistant mutants in an otherwise susceptible population of M. tuberculosis strains is approximately one in 107 to 108 bacilli.
Cross Resistance
M. tuberculosis organisms resistant to other rifamycins are likely to be resistant to rifapentine. A high level of cross-resistance between rifampin and rifapentine has been demonstrated with M. tuberculosis strains. Cross-resistance does not appear between rifapentine and non-rifamycin antimycobacterial agents.
Clinical Studies
Rifapentine was studied in two randomized, open-label controlled clinical trials.
The first trial was an open-label, prospective, parallel group, active controlled trial in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, excluding those with HIV-infection. The population was mostly comprised of Black ( > 60%) or Multiracial ( > 31%) patients. Treatment groups were comparable for age and sex and consisted primarily of male subjects with a mean age of 37 initial 2 month phase of treatment (60 days), 361 patients received rifapentine 600 mg twice a week in combination with daily isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol and 361 subjects received rifampin 600 mg in combination with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol all administered daily. The doses of the companion drugs were the same in both treatment arms during the initial phase: isoniazid 300 mg, pyrazinamide 2000 mg, and ethambutol 1200 mg. For patients weighing less than 50 kg, the doses of rifampin (450 mg), pyrazinamide (1500 mg) and ethambutol (800 mg) were reduced. Ethambutol was discontinued when isoniazid and rifampin susceptibility testing results were confirmed. During the 4 month continuation phase, 321 patients in the rifapentine group continued to receive rifapentine 600 mg dosed once weekly with isoniazid 300 mg and 307 patients in the rifampin arm received twice weekly rifampin and isoniazid 900 mg. For patients weighing less than 50 kg, the doses of rifampin (450 mg) and isoniazid (600 mg) were reduced. Both treatment groups received pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) over the 6 month treatment period. Treatment was directly observed. Despite observed therapy, 65/361 (18%) of patients in the rifapentine arm and 34/361 (9%) in the rifampin arm received overdoses of one or more of the administered study medications during the initial or continuation phase of treatment. Only seven of these patients had adverse reactions reported with the overdose (5 in the rifapentine group and 2 in the rifampin group).
Table 4 below contains assessments of sputum conversion at end of treatment (6 months) and relapse rates at the end of follow-up (24 months).
Table 4. Clinical Outcome in HIV Negative Patients with Pulmonary
Tuberculosis
| Rifapentine Combination Treatment % and (n/N*) |
Rifampin Combination Treatment % and (n/N*) |
|
| Status at End of 6 months of Treatment | ||
| Converted | 87% (248/286) | 80% (226/283) |
| Not Converted | 1% (4/286) | 3% (8/283) |
| Lost to Follow-up | 12% (34/286) | 17% (49/283) |
| Status Through 24 Month Follow-up**: | ||
| Relapsed | 12% (29/248) | 7% (15/226) |
| Sputum Negative | 57% (142/248) | 64% (145/226) |
| Lost to Follow-up | 31% (77/248) | 29% (66/226) |
| * All data for patients with confirmed susceptible
M. tuberculosis (rifapentine combination treatment, N=286; rifampin combination
treatment, N=283). ** Twenty-two (22) deaths occurred during the study; 11 in each treatment arm |
||
Risk of relapse was greater in the group treated with the rifapentine combination. Higher relapse rates were associated with a lower rate of compliance with the companion antituberculosis drugs as well as a failure to convert sputum cultures at the end of the initial 2 month treatment phase. Relapse rates were also higher for males in both regimens. Relapse in the rifapentine group was not associated with development of mono-resistance to rifampin.
In vitro susceptibility testing was conducted against M. tuberculosis isolates recovered from 620 patients enrolled in the study. Rifapentine and rifampin MIC values were determined employing the radiometric susceptibility testing method utilizing 7H12 broth at pH 6.8 (CLSI procedure M24-A; (1)). Six hundred and twelve patients had M. tuberculosis isolates that were susceptible to rifampin (MIC < 0.5 μg/ml). Of these patients, six hundred and ten had M. tuberculosis isolates (99.7%) with rifapentine MICs of < 0.125 μg/ml. The other two patients that had rifampin susceptible M. tuberculosis isolates had rifapentine MICs of 0.25 μg/ml. The remaining eight patients had M. tuberculosis isolates that were resistant to rifampin (MIC > 8.0 μg/ml). These M. tuberculosis isolates had rifapentine MICs of > 8.0 μg/ml. In this study high rifampin and rifapentine MICs were associated with multi-drug resistant M. tuberculosis (MDRTB) isolates. Rifampin monoresistance was not observed in either treatment arm. This information is provided for comparative purposes only as rifapentine breakpoints have not been established.
The second trial was a randomized, open-label trial in 1075 HIV seronegative and seropositive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Patients with culture-positive, drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who had completed the initial 2 month phase of treatment with 4 drugs (rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and either ethambutol or streptomycin) under direct observation were randomly assigned to receive either rifapentine 600 mg and isoniazid 15 mg/kg (max 900 mg) once weekly or rifampin 10 mg/kg (max 600 mg) and isoniazid 15 mg/kg (max 900 mg) twice weekly for the 4 month continuation phase. Study drugs were given under direct observation therapy in both arms.
In the rifapentine arm, 502 HIV seronegative and 36 HIV seropositive patients were randomized and in the rifampin arm 502 HIV seronegative and 35 HIV seropositive patients were randomized to treatment. Enrollment of HIV seropositive patients was stopped when 4 of 36 patients in the rifapentine combination group developed rifampin monoresistance.
Table 5 below contains assessments of sputum conversion at the end of treatment (6 months total: 2 months of initial and 4 months of randomized continuation treatment) and relapse rates at the end of follow-up (24 months) in all HIV seronegative patients randomized to treatment. The failure and relapse rates reported in this study could be underestimated due to the limitation of the microbiologic methods used in the study. Positive culture was based on either one sputum sample with > 10 colonies on solid media OR at least 2 positive sputum samples on liquid or solid media. However, only one sputum sample was collected at each visit in a majority of patients.
Table 5 : Clinical Outcome in HIV Negative Patients with
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
| Rifapentine Combination Treatment % (n/N) |
Rifampin Combination Treatment % (n/N) |
|
| Status at End of 4 Months Continuation Phase | ||
| Treatment Response * | 93.8% (471/502) | 91.0% (457/502) |
| Not Converted | 1.0% (5/502) | 1.2% (6/502) |
| Did Not Complete Treatment** | 4.2% (21/502) | 7.0% (35/502) |
| Deaths | 1.0 % (5/502) | 0.8% (4/502) |
| Status Through 24 Month Follow-up: | ||
| Relapsed | 8.7% (41/471) | 4.8% (22/457) |
| Sputum Negative | 79.4% (374/471) | 80.1% (366/457) |
| Lost to Follow-up | 7.9% (37/471) | 9.8% (45/457) |
| Deaths | 4.0% (19/471) | 5.3% (24/457) |
| * Treatment response was defined as subjects who
responded successfully after 16 doses of rifampin and isoniazid or after
8 doses of rifapentine and isoniazid, and remained sputum negative through
the end of continuation phase therapy. ** Due to drug toxic effects, non-adherence, withdrawal of consent, receipt of nonstudy regimen, other. |
||
Higher relapse rates in HIV seronegative patients were seen in patients with a positive sputum culture at 2 months (i.e., at the time of study randomization), cavitation on chest x-ray, and bilateral pulmonary involvement.
Seventy-one HIV seropositive patients were enrolled into the study. There were no treatment failures during the study phase therapy. Sixty-one patients completed therapy and were assessed for relapse. The rates of relapse were 16.7% (5/30) in the rifapentine group and 9.7% (3/31) in the rifampin group.
Risk factors that predisposed to relapse in the HIV seropositive patients included the presence of both pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease at baseline, low CD4 counts, use of azole antifungals and younger age.
In HIV seropositive patients, 4 of the 5 relapses from the rifapentine combination group involved M. tuberculosis strains with rifampin monoresistance (RMR). No relapse strain in the twice weekly rifampin/isoniazid group had acquired drug resistance. These data are consistent with other documented acquired rifampin monoresistance in HIV seropositive adults who fail or relapse after treatment with intermittent regimens with isoniazid and other rifamycins (rifampin and rifabutin).
The death rate among all study participants did not differ between the two treatment groups.
REFERENCES
1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. M24-A Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria, Nocardiae, and Other Aerobic Actinomycetes; Approved Standard. 23 ed. 2003. Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, Wayne, PA
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
PATIENT INFORMATION
Compliance
Compliance with the full course of therapy must be emphasized to the patient, and the importance of not missing any doses of the daily administered companion medications in the Initial Phase must be stressed.
Drug Interactions
Rifapentine may increase the metabolism and decrease the activity of other drugs that are metabolized by the P4503A4 and 2C8/9 pathways. Dosage adjustments of the co-administered drugs may be necessary. Patients should be advised to discuss with their physician the other medications they are taking before starting treatment with rifapentine.
Concomitant use of rifapentine with protease inhibitors or reverse transcriptase inhibitors may cause a significant decrease in plasma concentrations and loss of therapeutic effect of the protease inhibitor or reverse transcriptase inhibitor.
Rifapentine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, patients using oral, transdermal patch, or other systemic hormonal contraceptives should be advised to change to non-hormonal methods of birth control.
Discoloration of Body Fluids
The patient should be informed that PRIFTIN may produce a reddish coloration of the urine, sweat, sputum, tears, and breast milk and the patient should be forewarned that contact lenses or dentures may be permanently stained.
Adverse Reactions
Patients should be instructed to notify their physician promptly if they experience any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, malaise, nausea and vomiting, darkened urine, yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes, and pain or swelling of the joints.
Administration with Food
For those patients with a propensity to experience nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal upset, inform those patients that administration of PRIFTIN with food may be useful.
Last updated on RxList: 6/23/2009
Consumer
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
RIFAPENTINE - ORAL
(riff-uh-PEN-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Priftin
USES: This medication is used with other medications to treat active tuberculosis (TB) infections of the lungs. Rifapentine belongs to a class of drugs known as antibiotics that are active against tuberculosis.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice weekly for the first 2 months, then once weekly until the prescribed length of treatment is finished, or as directed by your doctor. This medication is usually taken for 6-9 months.
Dosage is based on your age, weight, medical condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other TB medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it on the same day(s) of the week and at the same time each day. If you are taking this medication once a week or several times a week, it may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other TB medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of TB bacteria to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects. If TB becomes resistant to this medication, it might also be resistant to other TB medications.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Consumer (continued)
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, aching joints, diarrhea, upset stomach, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tears, saliva, stool, sweat, and urine may be colored red-orange. This effect is harmless, but clothing, dentures, and contact lenses may become permanently stained.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, loss of appetite, bloody/pink/cloudy/dark urine, painful/swollen joints, swelling of hands/feet, changes in skin color.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fever, chills, new cough, persistent sore throat, easy bleeding/bruising.
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a type of resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking rifapentine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to rifampin; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: HIV infection, a certain liver/blood condition (porphyria).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, liver problems, alcohol consumption.
This drug may worsen liver problems you may already have. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Consumer (continued)
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), delavirdine, etravirine.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting rifapentine.
This drug can speed up the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting certain liver enzymes. These affected drugs include (not a complete list): certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., mexiletine, propafenone), certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, clarithromycin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol), antidiabetics (e.g., glyburide, glimepiride, repaglinide), certain antimalarial drugs (e.g., mefloquine, atovaquone), certain anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, lamotrigine), azole antifungals (e.g., voriconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole), barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, triazolam), certain cancer drugs (e.g., erlotinib, sunitinib, tamoxifen), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), digoxin, certain drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus), certain drugs to treat high blood pressure (e.g., calcium channel blockers such as verapamil/nifedipine, propranolol, metoprolol, enalapril, losartan), estrogens, certain other HIV medications (e.g., efavirenz, nevirapine), live bacterial vaccines, methadone, nortriptyline, certain psychiatric medications (e.g., haloperidol, quetiapine, buspirone), certain "statin" cholesterol medications (e.g., simvastatin, fluvastatin), theophylline, thyroid medications (e.g., levothyroxine), warfarin, zolpidem.
This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., TB cultures, liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised August 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
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