Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The
full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine,
speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I taking RIMYCIN?
RIMYCIN contains the active ingredient rifampicin. RIMYCIN is an antibiotic taken
with other medicines to treat tuberculosis, leprosy and mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli
ulcer). It is also taken to prevent meningococcal disease and infections caused by
Haemophilus Influenza Type B. For more information, see Section
1. Why am I taking RIMYCIN? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I take RIMYCIN?
Do not take RIMYCIN if you have ever had an allergic reaction to RIMYCIN or any of
the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Do not take RIMYCIN if you have jaundice.
Do not take RIMYCIN if you are taking saquinavir or ritonavir. These are medicines
used to treat AIDS and HIV.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
For more information, see Section
2. What should I know before I take RIMYCIN? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I take RIMYCIN?
Follow the instructions provided when RIMYCIN was prescribed, including the number
of days it should be taken.
5. What should I know while taking RIMYCIN?
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Things you should do
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Remind any doctor, dentist, surgeon, or pharmacist you visit that you are taking RIMYCIN.
You should see your doctor monthly for a check-up.
Continue taking RIMYCIN exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you have a blood or urine test, tell your doctor you are taking RIMYCIN.
If you are about to be started on a new medicine, including oral contraceptives, tell
your doctor you are taking RIMYCIN.
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Things you should not do
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Do not stop taking this medicine because you feel better.
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Driving or using machines
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Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how RIMYCIN
affects you.
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Looking after your medicine
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Store below 25°C.
Store RIMYCIN in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Serious side effects include allergic reactions, interstitial lung disease (including
pneumonitis), severe bleeding or bruising, severe diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps,
worsening of tuberculosis symptoms typically associated with exaggerated inflammatory
symptoms including fever, swollen lymph nodes, breathlessness, cough and other symptoms
such as headache, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Stop using RIMYCIN and immediately contact a doctor if you experience any of the following
symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, fever, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark-colored
urine, light-colored faeces, yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes, itching,
rash or upper stomach pain. These symptoms may be signs of liver injury.
This is not a full list of side effects. Other side effects not listed here may occur
in some people.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Active ingredient(s):
rifampicin
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using RIMYCIN. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about taking RIMYCIN.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I taking RIMYCIN?
RIMYCIN contains the active ingredient rifampicin. RIMYCIN is an antibiotic which kills certain types of bacteria that can cause serious
infections.
RIMYCIN is taken with other medicines to treat tuberculosis and is taken to treat
leprosy. RIMYCIN is used to treat
mycobacterium ulcerans (Buruli ulcer)
in combination with other antibiotics. RIMYCIN is also taken to prevent the following
diseases:
Meningococcal disease that can cause meningitis.
Infections caused by the bacteria,
Haemophilus Influenzae
Type B. Despite the name, it is not related to influenza (‘the flu’). Symptoms of
this infection can include meningitis, pneumonia, or conjunctivitis.
2. What should I know before I take RIMYCIN?
Warnings
Do not take RIMYCIN if:
you are allergic to rifampicin or other similar antibiotics such as rifabutin or rifaximin.
you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can take this medicine.
you are taking saquinavir/ritonavir. These medicines are used to treat acquired immune
deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.
you have jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
you are taking medicine called lurasidone (medicine for schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder), as rifampicin may reduce blood levels of lurasidone.
you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
you have previously taken any rifampicin containing medicinal product and had liver
problems. If you are unsure talk to your doctor.
Inflammation of the liver has been reported in patients taking RIMYCIN with symptoms
developing within a few days to a few months following the start of treatment. Stop
using RIMYCIN and contact a doctor if you have symptoms of liver problems (see Section
6. Are there any side effects?)
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other medical conditions
have any problems with your liver including liver disease
have a problem with bleeding or a tendency to bruise easily
have diabetes
are taking other antibiotics
wear soft contact lenses. Urine, faeces, saliva, sputum,
sweat, tears and teeth may be coloured red-orange, yellow or brown by RIMYCIN. Soft
contact lenses may be permanently stained.
are taking any medicines for any other condition
are taking oral contraceptives. You should change to an alternative method of birth
control.
have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods,
preservatives or dyes
have a history of lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis)
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
RIMYCIN should not be used while breastfeeding. RIMYCIN passes into breast milk and
there is a possibility your baby may be affected.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with RIMYCIN and affect how it works.
RIMYCIN should not be taken with the following medicines:
the combination of saquinavir and ritonavir, antiviral agents used to treat acquired
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections.
If you are taking dapsone (an antibiotic) with rifampicin, it may cause methemoglobinemia
(decrease in oxygen in your blood caused by changes in red blood cells).
If you are taking paracetamol and rifampicin, it can increase the risk of liver damage.
halothane, a general anaesthetic (a sleep inducing medicine)
medicines used to treat Hepatitis C (antiviral agents), such as daclatasvir, simeprevir,
sofosbuvir and telaprevir
Cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefazolin used to treat infection
oral contraceptives
RIMYCIN and some medicines may interfere with each other and affect how they work,
such as:
antacids
atovaquone
isoniazid
p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS)
mifepristone
medicines for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer
medicines used to treat thyroid deficiency
medicines for nocturnal cramps
medicines for breathing difficulties
medicines to treat diabetes
medicines to treat nausea or vomiting
Heart or blood-related
medicines that thin the blood, such as clopidogrel
medicines to lower cholesterol
medicines for treating heart problems
medicines for treating high blood pressure, such as enalapril
Infections or immune system-related
medicines to treat bacterial infections such as antibiotics
medicines to treat fungal infections, such as caspofungin, fluconazole,itraconazole
or ketoconazole
medicines to treat tuberculosis or leprosy
medicines for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
medicines to treat malaria
medicines to treat inflammatory conditions
medicines used to keep the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Mental health, brain or pain-related
medicines to treat mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression
medicines used to control or prevent seizures
medicines that can cause sedation
medicines for pain
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect RIMYCIN.
4. How do I take RIMYCIN?
How much to take
Follow the instructions provided when RIMYCIN was prescribed, including the number
of days it should be taken.
Swallow RIMYCIN capsules whole with a glass of water.
If you need to take an antacid, take it at least 1 hour after your dose of RIMYCIN.
When to take RIMYCIN
RIMYCIN capsules should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or
2 hours after a meal.
If you forget to take RIMYCIN
RIMYCIN should be taken regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose
at the usual time, take the dose as soon as you remember, and then resume taking RIMYCIN
as directed.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you are unsure about taking the next dose, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much RIMYCIN
If you think that you have used too much RIMYCIN, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much RIMYCIN you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, itching,
headache, tiredness, dizziness, swelling, fast or uneven heartbeat or other problems
with heartbeating.
5. What should I know while taking RIMYCIN?
Things you should do
You should see your doctor monthly for a check-up. Your doctor may order blood tests
from time-to-time. to check your progress or check for any side effects.
Continue taking RIMYCIN exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you have a blood test or urine test, tell your doctor you are taking RIMYCIN. RIMYCIN
may affect the results of some blood and urine tests.
If you are about to be started on a new medicine, including oral contraceptives, tell
your doctor that you are taking RIMYCIN.
If you are using oral contraception you should change to alternative methods of birth
control.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
develop new or sudden worsening of shortness of breath, possibly with a dry cough
or fever that is not responding to antibiotic treatment
These could be symptoms of lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis)
and can lead to serious breathing problems due to collection of fluid in the lungs
and interfere with normal breathing which can lead to life threatening conditions.
become or intend to become pregnant
are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed
are about to start taking any new medicine
Remind any doctor, surgeon, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using RIMYCIN.
Things you should not do
Do not stop taking this medicine because you feel better. If you do not complete the
full treatment your infection may not completely clear or may return.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how RIMYCIN
affects you.
RIMYCIN may cause dizziness, drowsiness or other undesirable effects in some people.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 25°C
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What RIMYCIN contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
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150 mg or 300 mg of rifampicin per capsule
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Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
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ascorbic acid
brilliant blue FCF
colloidal anhydrous silica
erythrosine
gelatin
lactose monohydrate
magnesium stearate
purified talc
sodium lauryl sulfate
titanium dioxide
RIMYCIN 150 capsules also contain:
iron oxide red
iron oxide yellow
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Potential allergens
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RIMYCIN contains galactose, lactose and sulfites.
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Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What RIMYCIN looks like
RIMYCIN 150 mg capsule is a size 3 hard gelatin capsule, maroon body with black cap
(AUST R 48230).
RIMYCIN 300 mg capsules is a size 1 hard gelatin capsule with maroon body and cap
(AUST R 48231).
RIMYCIN comes in bottles of 10 and 100 capsules.
Who distributes RIMYCIN
Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in September 2024.
RIMYCIN_cmi\Sep24/00