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Compare Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

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

Key takeaways

Sirturo (bedaquiline) and pyrazinamide are both antibiotics used to treat tuberculosis (TB), but they have some key differences. Sirturo (bedaquiline) is specifically for multi-drug resistant TB and is taken when other antibiotics don't work. It was approved under an accelerated process and is linked to a higher risk of death and heart problems. Pyrazinamide, on the other hand, is a first-choice medication for active TB and is usually taken with other TB antibiotics like isoniazid and rifampin. Unlike Sirturo, pyrazinamide is available as a lower-cost generic. Sirturo must be taken with at least three other anti-TB medications, while pyrazinamide is part of a standard four-drug regimen. Both medications can cause liver damage, but pyrazinamide can also raise uric acid levels, leading to gout. Sirturo is not available as a generic and is very expensive, whereas pyrazinamide is more affordable.

  • Sirturo (bedaquiline)
    Pyrazinamide
  • Sirturo (bedaquiline)
    Pyrazinamide

  • Summary of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    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.

    Summary for Antitubercular agent
    Prescription only

    Pyrazinamide is an antibiotic that treats active tuberculosis (TB). It's taken together with other anti-TB medications, such as isoniazid and rifampin. Pyrazinamide can cause side effects like joint or muscle ache, nausea, and vomiting. This medication can also affect the liver and raise your risk for gout. Pyrazinamide is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    Indications for
    •Tuberculosis (TB) lung infection that is resistant (doesn't respond to) to other anti-TB antibiotics
    Indications for
    •Treatment of active tuberculosis (TB)

  • Pros and Cons of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    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
    Pros and Const for Antitubercular agent
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice medications used to treat active TB
    •Usually taken for 2 months
    •Can take once per day or a few times per week, depending on your dosing schedule
    •Safe for children to take
    Cons
    •Must take with other anti-TB antibiotics
    •Not a good option for people with severe liver problems
    •Can worsen gout and shouldn't be used in people with recent gout flares
    •Only available in tablet form

  • Common Side Effects of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mild joint or muscle ache
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Loss of appetite

  • Warnings of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Drug-resistant bacteria
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury
    •Gout
    •Caution in people with diabetes

  • Prices with our coupons for Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    Learn more about Sirturo
    Learn more about Pyrazinamide

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