What is Etibi/Ethambutol used for?

This medicine used in combination with other medicines, is for the treatment of infections caused by of M. tuberculosis and other Mycobacterium species.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Etibi/Ethambutol be stored?

Store between 59 to 86 degrees F. Protect from heat, direct light and moisture.

General drug information:

When should Etibi/Ethambutol not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine if you have kidney disease, vision problems or inflammation of the optic nerve

What precautions should I follow when taking Etibi/Ethambutol?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Etibi/Ethambutol?

This medicine may cause or worsen attacks of gout and eye disease. Patients with kidney disease are likely to have more side effects to this medicne. Consult your physician immediately if blurred vision, eye pain, red-green color blindness, or loss of vision occurs during treatment. Avoid driving, using machines or dangerous work if you are not alert or unable to see too well.

What are the side effects of Etibi/Ethambutol?

Most severe:  Decrease in vision sharpness; severe allergic reaction (redness, itching, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing); hallucinations.

Most common:  Skin inflammation; itching; joint pain; appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; upset stomach; stomach pain; fever; general body discomfort; headache; dizziness; mental confusion; disorientation.

Other:  Gout.

How should I take Etibi/Ethambutol?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine must be used with other tuberculosis medications. This medicine should be taken once every 24 hours. It may be taken with or without food. Monthly vision tests will be required while taking this medicine. Be sure to keep appointments. If eyeglasses are worn before the use of this medicine, the glasses must be worn during vision testing. Contact your doctor if changes in vision occur. Vision sharpness usually returns over a period of weeks to months after this medicine has been stopped. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.