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Compare Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Pretomanid and Sirturo (bedaquiline) are both antitubercular agents used to treat difficult-to-treat tuberculosis (TB) infections, but they have some key differences. Pretomanid must be taken with Sirturo and linezolid (Zyvox). In contrast, Sirturomust be taken with at least three other anti-TB antibiotics. Pretomanid works by stopping the bacteria from making their protective covering, while Sirturo kills bacteria by blocking a protein they need to make energy and survive. Pretomanid is taken daily for 6 to 7 months, whereas Sirturo is taken daily for the first 2 weeks and then three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Both medications can cause liver damage and heart rhythm problems, but Sirturo is also linked to a higher risk of death. Additionally, Sirturo can be given to children as young as 5 years old, while Pretomanid is only for adults. Neither medication is available in a generic form, making them both expensive options for TB..

  • Pretomanid
    Sirturo (bedaquiline)
  • Pretomanid
    Sirturo (bedaquiline)

  • Summary of Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Pretomanid is a medication used in adults with tuberculosis (TB) infection of the lungs that's very difficult to treat. It's taken in combination with two other medications to treat TB, Sirturo (bedaquiline) and linezolid (Zyvox). You might be asked to go to a healthcare facility every day as part of a directly observed therapy (DOT) program to make sure you take all of your medication as directed. Your provider will give you each dose of pretomanid and watch as you take the medication.

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Sirturo (bedaquiline) is reserved for treating tuberculosis (TB) that is resistant to other antibiotics. It was FDA-approved under an accelerated process, since there are few options available to treat life-threatening resistant TB lung infection. The medication is also linked to a higher risk of death and heart problems.

  • Indications of Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) lung infection that's difficult to treat in adults
    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) lung infection that is resistant (doesn't respond to) to other anti-TB antibiotics

  • Pros and Cons of Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •Used for TB that's difficult to treat, which is a serious health problem with few new antibiotic options
    •Can prevent the spread of TB when taken as directed
    •Taken by mouth compared to some other TB medications
    •Taken in combination with fewer medications compared to other regimens for resistant TB (usually 4 or more medications)
    Cons
    •Might require daily trips to a healthcare facility to receive each dose
    •Long course of treatment (about 6 to 7 months)
    •Can be expensive
    •Not for latent (inactive) TB or TB that has spread outside the lungs
    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •Treats multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is a serious health problem with few new antibiotic options
    •Can be given to children as young as 5 years old
    •After the first 2 weeks of taking it daily, you only need to take it 3 times a week.
    •The 20 mg tablet can be dissolved or crushed for people who can't swallow a whole tablet.
    •Can be given through feeding tube
    Cons
    •Each dose requires multiple tablets and should be taken in front of a healthcare provider.
    •Must be taken in combination with at least 3 other anti-TB antibiotics
    •Linked with a higher risk of death, so it should only be used if absolutely needed
    •Not for TB that is latent (non-active) or TB that has spread outside the lungs
    •Very expensive, and not available as a generic

  • Common Side Effects of Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Weakness, tingling, or numbness of hands and feet (81%)
    •Acne (39%)
    •Low red blood cell count (anemia; 37%)
    •Nausea (37%)
    •Vomiting (34%)
    •Muscle, joint, or back pain (29%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (28%)
    •Heartburn (24%)
    •Low appetite (22%)
    •Rash (21%)
    •Itchiness (20%)
    •Stomach pain (19%)
    •Sharp chest pain (19%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia; 15%)
    •Coughing up blood (13%)
    •Cough (12%)
    •Vision problems (12%)

    ^*Side effects seen in combination with Sirturo (bedaquiline) and linezolid (Zyvox)^

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (38%)
    •Joint pain (33%)
    •Headache (28%)
    •Coughing up blood (18%)
    •Chest pain (11%)
    •Low appetite (9%)
    •Higher liver enzymes (3-9%)
    •Rash (8%)

  • Warnings of Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver damage
    •Low blood counts
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Nerve and eye problems (peripheral and optic neuropathy)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Pretomanid vs. Sirturo

    Learn more about Pretomanid
    Learn more about Sirturo

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