Pyrazinamide is an anti-infective drug used to fight
tuberculosis. Pyrazinamide is often used in conjunction with other tuberculosis fighting drugs such as
rifampin.
Recently, reports have surfaced questioning the safety of combining these two drugs. At least five tuberculosis patients have died from
liver failure after taking both pyrazinamide and rifampin concurrently.
In August 2003, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially notified healthcare professionals of revised recommendations against the use of rifampin plus pyrazinamide for treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, due to the high rates of hospitalization and death from liver injury associated with the combined use of the medications. If you are taking these drugs it is important that you contact your doctor, as InjuryBoard.com does not provide medical advice. However, if you have suffered serious liver damage after taking either pyrazinamide or rifampin, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Tuberculosis Drugs: Overview
- Liver Problems