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Priftin Side Effects

Generic name: rifapentine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 22, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Priftin Side Effects associated with rifapentine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Priftin.

Applies to rifapentine: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Priftin

Along with its needed effects, rifapentine (the active ingredient contained in Priftin) 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 while taking rifapentine:

More common side effects

  • 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 side effects

  • 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 side effects

  • 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

Other side effects of Priftin

Some side effects of rifapentine 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 side effects

  • increased sweating

Less common side effects

  • belching
  • difficulty in moving

Rare side effects

  • discoloration of the skin
  • drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to rifapentine: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects with the regimen for active pulmonary tuberculosis included anemia, lymphopenia, hemoptysis, neutropenia, cough, thrombocytosis, increased sweating, increased ALT, increased AST, back pain, rash, anorexia, arthralgia, increased blood urea, and headache. The most common side effect with the regimen for latent tuberculosis infection was hypersensitivity reaction.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Gastrointestinal

Genitourinary

Hematologic

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Nervous system

Ocular

Other

Psychiatric

Renal

Respiratory

References

1. (2020) "Product Information. Priftin (rifapentine)." sanofi-aventis, SUPPL-18

Further information

Priftin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.