RF 4
RF 4 Products are primarily used for
About RF 4 Products
Uses of RF 4 Products
Isoniazid+Rifampicin+Ethambutol+Pyrazinamide is used in the treatment of tuberculosis.
RF 4 Products side effects
Common
Side Effects of RF 4 are Nausea, Vomiting, Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness of feet and hand), Abdominal pain, Skin rash, Hepatitis (viral infection of liver), Lethargy, Low blood platelets, Joint pain, Thrombocytopenic purpura, Cutaneous reactions, Retrobulbar optic neuritis.
Severe
Side Effects of RF 4 are Breast enlargement in male, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Hypersensitivity, Gout precipitation.
How RF 4 Products work
Isoniazid + Rifampicin + Ethambutol + Pyrazinamide is a combination of four medicines: Isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide which treat tuberculosis. Isoniazid works by preventing the TB bacteria from forming their own protective covering, while rifampicin inactivates a bacterial enzyme (RNA-polymerase) which is required by TB bacteria to make essential proteins and to reproduce. Together, they kill the bacteria and eradicate the infection. Ethambutol and pyrazinamide on the other hand, work by slowing the growth of these bacteria.
Patient Concerns about RF 4 Products
Frequently asked questions about RF 4 Products
Frequently asked questions about RF 4 Products
Q. How to take RF 4 Kit?
Take RF 4 Kit on an empty stomach which means at least one hour before and two hours after a meal and with full glass of water.
Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking RF 4 Kit?
No, avoid drinking alcohol while taking RF 4 Kit. Drinking alcohol will increase the risk of hepatitis caused by RF 4 Kit because of isoniazid.
Q. Can the use of RF 4 Kit cause discoloration of the urine?
Yes, RF 4 Kit contains Rifampicin. It can cause temporary discoloration of your teeth, sweat, urine, saliva and tears (red, orange or brown color). This side effect is usually not harmful. However, discoloration of urine can be a sign of liver damage. Contact your doctor if you notice discoloration of urine accompanied with stomach pain, loss of appetite and jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Q. Can RF 4 Kit cause visual impairment?
RF 4 Kit contains Ethambutol which may cause visual impairment. Inform the doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your eyesight.
Q. Can I discontinue RF 4 Kit if I feel well?
No, do not discontinue RF 4 Kit. Take the proper course of a drug that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking RF 4 Kit then your infection may become worse, difficult to treat and it may result in drug-resistant TB (drugs you are taking may no longer work).
Q. Can I take oral contraceptive pills while taking RF 4 Kit?
No, RF 4 Kit can make birth control pills less effective. So, ask your doctor about using a birth control method which does not affect your hormone levels (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide).
Q. What are the instructions for storage and disposal of RF 4 Kit?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.