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Sirturo vs. Avelox

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

Key takeaways

Bedaquiline (Sirturo) and moxifloxacin are both antibiotics used to treat lung infections, but they have some important differences. Bedaquiline is specifically used for tuberculosis that doesn't respond to other drugs, while moxifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for various bacterial infections, including pneumonia and skin infections. Both medications come as oral tablets. Bedaquiline requires a specific dosing schedule over 24 weeks, whereas moxifloxacin is typically taken once daily for 1 to 3 weeks. Bedaquiline is not available as a generic and must be taken with other anti-TB medications, while moxifloxacin is available in generic form. Common side effects of bedaquiline include nausea and joint pain, and it increases the risk of heart rhythm problems and liver damage. Moxifloxacin can cause nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Serious risks of moxifloxacin include tendon rupture and nerve damage. Both medications can affect heart rhythm, so it's important to discuss all medications you're taking with your prescriber.

Sirturo

(bedaquiline)

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Moxifloxacin

(Avelox)

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Summary for Sirturo

Prescription only

Sirturo (bedaquiline) is reserved for treating tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to other antibiotics. It's an antitubercular agent that helps kill the bacteria causing TB. Sirturo (bedaquiline) is FDA approved for adults and children over the age of 2 who weigh at least 18 lbs. It's a tablet that you take by mouth. You first take the dose once daily for 2 weeks, and then you take half that dose three times a week for the next 22 weeks. Common side effects include nausea, joint pain, and headache. You must take Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications.

Indications for Sirturo

Pros and Cons for Sirturo

Pros

  • Treats multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which is a serious health problem with few antibiotic options
  • Okay for children as young as 2 years old to take
  • Taken once daily for 2 weeks, then 3 times a week for the rest of treatment
  • Have many options if you have trouble swallowing tablets whole
  • Can be given through a feeding tube, if needed

Cons

  • Must have a healthcare professional watch you take the medication each time to make sure you follow your treatment plan
  • Must take multiple tablets for each dose and treatment lasts many months
  • Must take with at least 3 other TB medications
  • Only used if absolutely needed because of serious risks
  • Not for latent TB (inactive TB) or TB that's spread outside the lungs

Common Side Effects for Sirturo

  • Nausea (38%)
  • Joint pain (33%)
  • Headache (28%)
  • Coughing up blood (18%)
  • Chest pain (11%)
  • Low appetite (9%)
  • Higher liver enzyme levels (9%)
  • Rash (8%)

Note: Side effects were reported in adults taking Sirturo (bedaquiline) with other TB medications. Side effects might differ in children.

Warnings for Sirturo

  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Possible higher risk of death based on adult studies
  • Liver damage
  • Drug interactions

Summary for Avelox

Prescription only

Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It can treat different types of infections, including certain skin infections and lung infections, in adults. But because moxifloxacin (Avelox) can cause serious side effects, such as tendon rupture and nerve damage, it's usually only prescribed for more serious infections or when safer options aren't available. Moxifloxacin (Avelox) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, diarrhea, and headache. Moxifloxacin is generic only, brand-name Avelox is no longer available.

Indications for Avelox

Treatment of certain bacterial infections, including:

Pros and Cons for Avelox

Pros

  • Can take with or without food
  • Only taken once a day
  • Treats many types of infections
  • Might be an option for people who have penicillin allergy

Cons

Common Side Effects for Avelox

  • Nausea (7%)
  • Diarrhea (6%)
  • Headache (4%)
  • Dizziness (3%)
  • Trouble sleeping (2%)
  • Vomiting (2%)
  • Constipation (2%)
  • Belly pain (2%)

Warnings for Avelox

  • Tendon inflammation and rupture
  • Effects on the brain, nerves, and mental health
  • Worsening of myasthenia gravis
  • Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
  • Severe allergic and skin reactions
  • Severe damage to a major blood vessel
  • Severe infectious diarrhea
  • Changes in blood sugar
  • Sun and light sensitivity

Prices with our coupons for Sirturo vs. Avelox

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Sirturo24 tablets / 100mg
$3,682.84-
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Moxifloxacin7 tablets / 400mg
$23.92$106.08
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