Ethionamide (e-thye-ON-a-mide)

Treats tuberculosis (TB).

Brand Name(s):

Trecator

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk. If the medicine does upset your stomach, it may help to take it at bedtime.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Your doctor may also want you to take vitamin B6 while you are using this medicine.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how ethionamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using cycloserine or isoniazid.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Eye or vision changes
  • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurred vision, loss of vision, with or without eye pain
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Confusion, depression
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness or lightheadedness, hunger

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in taste
• Dizziness
• Swollen breasts (in men)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088