RIFABUTIN

CLINICAL STUDIES Two randomized, double-blind clinical trials (Study 023 and Study 027) compared rifabutin (300 mg/day) to placebo in patients with CDC-defined AIDS and CD4 counts ≤200 cells/µL. These studies accrued patients from 2/90 through 2/92. Study 023 enrolled 590 patients, with a median CD4 cell count at study entry of 42 cells/µL (mean 61). Study 027 enrolled 556 patients with a median CD4 cell count at study entry of 40 cells/µL (mean 58). Endpoints included the following: (1) MAC bacteremia, defined as at least one blood culture positive for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacter...

ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse Reactions from Clinical Trials Rifabutin capsules were generally well tolerated in the controlled clinical trials. Discontinuation of therapy due to an adverse event was required in 16% of patients receiving rifabutin, compared to 8% of patients receiving placebo in these trials. Primary reasons for discontinuation of rifabutin were rash (4% of treated patients), gastrointestinal intolerance (3%), and neutropenia (2%). The following table enumerates adverse experiences ...

CONTRAINDICATIONS Rifabutin capsules are contraindicated in patients who have had clinically significant hypersensitivity to rifabutin or to any other rifamycins. Rifabutin capsules are contraindicated in patients being treated with cabotegravir/rilpivirine prolonged-release injectable suspension (see PRECAUTIONS-Drug Interactions, Table 2 ).

DRUG INTERACTIONS Effect of Rifabutin on the Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs Rifabutin induces CYP3A enzymes and therefore may reduce the plasma concentrations of drugs metabolized by those enzymes. This effect may reduce the efficacy of standard doses of such drugs, which include itraconazole, clarithromycin, and saquinavir. Effect of Other Drugs on Rifabutin Pharmacokinetics Some drugs that inhi...