Key takeaways
Sirturo (bedaquiline) and Mycobutin (rifabutin) are both antibiotics used to treat serious infections, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Sirturo is specifically used for tuberculosis that doesn't respond to other treatments, while Mycobutin is a rifamycin antibiotic used to prevent Mycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) infection in people with advanced HIV. Sirturo requires a specific dosing schedule over 24 weeks, whereas Mycobutin is typically taken as a 300 mg capsule once daily. Sirturo is not available as a generic and must be taken with at least three other tuberculosis medications, while Mycobutin can be taken with or without food and is available as a generic. Common side effects of Sirturo include nausea, joint pain, and headache. Serious risks are less common but include heart rhythm problems and liver damage. Mycobutin can cause changes in urine color, low blood cell counts, and serious allergic reactions. Both medications have a number of important drug interactions, so be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.
