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Priftin Coupon - Priftin 150mg tablet

Priftin

rifapentine
Used for Tuberculosis

Priftin, also known by its generic name rifapentine, is a rifamycin antibiotic that's used to treat tuberculosis (TB) in adults and children. For active TB, it must be taken with other TB antibiotics, such as isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. And for latent TB, Priftin (rifapentine) is taken with isoniazid. Priftin (rifapentine) is a tablet that's taken by mouth with food. It's taken once or twice per week, depending on whether you have active or latent TB and what phase of treatment you're in. Side effects include low blood cell counts, coughing, and headache.

Reviewed by:
reviewerRobert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewerAllison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 18, 2024
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What is Priftin (rifapentine)?

What is Priftin (rifapentine) used for?

As an add-on to other tuberculosis (TB) antibiotics for:

How Priftin (rifapentine) works

Priftin (rifapentine) is a rifamycin antibiotic. It works by blocking a protein in TB-causing bacteria that they need to use to grow and spread. This helps fight the TB infection.

Drug facts

Common BrandsPriftin
Drug ClassRifamycin antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Priftin (rifapentine)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Initial phase for active TB: The following side effects were reported by people who took Priftin (rifapentine) with other TB antibiotics.

Continuation phase for active TB: The following side effects were reported by people who took Priftin (rifapentine) with isoniazid.

Less Common Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach upset or indigestion
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Itching

Priftin (rifapentine) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Liver problems: severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Low blood cell counts: fever, chills, weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe skin reaction: rash, painful blisters, skin reddening, skin peeling, mouth sores, sore throat, fever, fatigue
  • C. difficile-related diarrhea: rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day)

Source: DailyMed

The following Priftin (rifapentine) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools

chills

cough

coughing up blood

fever

hoarseness

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

skin rash

sore throat

trouble breathing with exertion

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

burning, dry, or itching eyes

excessive tearing of the eye

eye pain

fast heartbeat

general feeling of illness

headache

hives, itching

irritation

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

loss of appetite

pinpoint red spots on the skin

redness of the skin

swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

trouble breathing or swallowing

weight loss

Rare

Anxiety

bloating

blue or pale skin

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

burning, tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs

chest pain, possibly moving to the left arm, neck, or shoulder

cloudy or dark urine

cold sweat

collection of blood under the skin

confusion

constipation

deep, dark purple bruise

dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

dry mouth

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

heartburn

indigestion

itching in the genital or other skin areas

lack or loss of strength

light-colored stools

muscle pain

nausea

noisy breathing

pain in the lower back or side

pain or burning in the throat

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

right upper stomach pain and fullness

scaling of the skin

seizures

stabbing pain

stomach upset

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area

thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor

thickening of bronchial secretions

thirst

vaginal bleeding

voice changes

vomiting

yellow skin or eyes

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

diarrhea

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

sensitivity of the skin to the sun

thinning of the skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Increased sweating

Less common

Belching

difficulty in moving

Rare

Discoloration of the skin

drowsiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Pros and cons of Priftin (rifapentine)

Pros

  • Taken once or twice a week
  • Can treat children as young as 2 years old with latent TB
  • No dosage adjustments necessary if you have liver or kidney problems
  • Can crush the tablets and then add to semi-solid food if you have trouble swallowing

Cons

  • Must take with other TB antibiotics
  • Must take each dose in front of a healthcare professional (HCP)
  • Can change the color of body fluids and stain contact lenses and dentures
  • No lower-cost generic available; brand-name medication only
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Pharmacist tips for Priftin (rifapentine)

pharmacist
  • Follow your prescriber's instructions to take Priftin (rifapentine) once or twice per week. This depends on whether you have active or latent TB and what phase of treatment you're in. Mark the dates and times of when you need to take your doses in your calendar. You can also use a medication reminder app. Missing doses can make your infection come back and become harder to treat.
  • Take Priftin (rifapentine) with food. This helps the medication get absorbed into your body. Taking the medication with food can also help lessen some side effects like stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
  • If you or your child can't swallow the Priftin (rifapentine) tablets whole, you can crush them and add to a small amount of soft food. After you mix the medication with food, eat all of the mixture right away.
  • Priftin (rifapentine) can cause some of your body tissue or fluids turn a red-orange color, but it's not harmful. This can include your skin, teeth, tongue, saliva, tears, sweat, urine, and stool. It can also stain any dentures or soft contact lenses, which can be permanent.
  • It's best to avoid alcohol while you're taking Priftin (rifapentine). Drinking alcohol with Priftin (rifapentine) raises your risk for liver damage. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for you to recover from your infection.
  • Share a list of all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, with your care team so they can review it. Don't start any new medications while you're taking Priftin (rifapentine) without letting your care team know first. Certain drug interactions with Priftin (rifapentine) can make your medications work less well or put you at risk for side effects.
  • Priftin (rifapentine) can make hormonal birth control work less well, which can put you at risk for an unintended pregnancy. Ask your care team about switching to a non-hormonal birth control option (e.g., condoms, Paragard (copper IUD)).
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Risks and warnings for Priftin (rifapentine)

Priftin (rifapentine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Liver injury

  • Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that cause liver injury | Liver problems

Priftin (rifapentine) can raise the level of liver enzymes in your blood, which can be a sign of liver injury. Avoid alcohol and other medications that might harm your liver. Let your prescriber know if you have a history of liver problems; you might need to get regular blood tests done during treatment to check that your liver health doesn't worsen. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of liver damage, like severe nausea, vomiting, right-sided stomach pain, fatigue, low or no appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Severe allergic reaction

Severe allergic reactions to Priftin (rifapentine) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Stop taking this medication and get medical attention right away if you have rash, swelling in your face or lips, or trouble breathing.

Severe skin reaction

Some people reported having serious and life-threatening skin reactions while they took Priftin (rifapentine). These skin reactions can include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome. Stop taking Priftin (rifapentine) and get medical attention right away if you notice changes in your skin, like rash, painful blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling, or mouth sores. Also get medical help as soon as possible if you experience sore throat, fever, or fatigue; these can be other symptoms related to the skin reaction.

Red-orange color in body fluids, on skin, or in the mouth

It's normal for Priftin (rifapentine) to cause your bodily fluids (such as urine, sweat, spit, or tears) and tissue (such as skin, tongue, or teeth) to turn a red-orange color. This color change is harmless to the body, though it might permanently stain any contact lenses or dentures that you wear.

Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

Treatment with any antibiotic, including Priftin (rifapentine), can lead to an infection caused by the bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). This infection can happen because antibiotics change the normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. As a result, C. diff can overgrow in the gut and cause potentially life-threatening diarrhea.

C. diff-related diarrhea is considered a medical emergency. It can cause fast heart rate, fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, and frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). Get medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms. You'll get tested for C. diff-related diarrhea and get appropriate treatment, if needed.

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Priftin (rifapentine) dosage

The average cost for 24 tablets of 150mg of Priftin (rifapentine) is $123.38 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 14.67% off the average retail price of $144.59.
tabletTablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
150mg24 tablets$123.38$5.14

Typical dosage for Priftin (rifapentine)

Active TB in people age 12 years and older

  • Initial phase: The typical dose is 600 mg (4 tablets) by mouth with food twice a week (separated by at least 3 days) for 2 months. After the first 2 months of treatment, you'll move onto the continuation phase of treatment.
  • Continuation phase: The typical dose is 600 mg (4 tablets) by mouth with food once a week for 4 months.
  • Take Priftin (rifapentine) together with other TB antibiotics (e.g., isoniazid, pyrazinamide, ethambutol), as instructed by your prescriber.

Latent TB in people age 2 years and older

  • Take Priftin (rifapentine) by mouth with food once per week for 12 weeks (3 months). The dose depends on your weight.
    • Weight of 22 lbs to 30 lbs: The typical dose is 300 mg (2 tablets).
    • Weight of 31 lbs to 55 lbs: The typical dose is 450 mg (3 tablets).
    • Weight of 56 lbs to 70 lbs: The typical dose is 600 mg (4 tablets).
    • Weight of 71 lbs to 110 lbs: The typical dose is 750 mg (5 tablets).
    • Weight greater than 110 lbs: The typical dose is 900 mg (6 tablets).
  • Take Priftin (rifapentine) with isoniazid, as instructed by your prescriber.
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Interactions between Priftin (rifapentine) and other drugs

Priftin (rifapentine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Priftin (rifapentine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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How much does Priftin (rifapentine) cost?

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Priftin (rifapentine) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Priftin (rifapentine) will not be safe for you to take.

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What are alternatives to Priftin (rifapentine)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Priftin (rifapentine). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Priftin (rifapentine)
Used for:

As an add-on to other tuberculosis (TB) antibiotics for:

$123.38Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Meningococcal carriers (when there's bacteria living in the nose and/or throat, but not causing infection)
$38.89Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Prevention of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in people with severe HIV infection
$114.81Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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Priftin (rifapentine) images

Pink Round F - Priftin 150mg Tablet
This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "F".Pink Round F - Priftin 150mg Tablet

References

Best studies we found

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Treatment regimens for latent TB infection.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About active tuberculosis disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About meningococcal disease.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.