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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'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.

    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
    •Lung infection from tuberculosis (TB) that's resistant to or doesn't respond to other TB medications, including rifampin and isoniazid
    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 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
    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 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.

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

  • Warnings of Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart rhythm problems
    •Possible higher risk of death based on adult studies
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Liver injury
    •Gout
    •Caution in people with diabetes

  • Prices with our coupons for Sirturo vs. Pyrazinamide

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    Learn more about Pyrazinamide

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