Key facts about Bedaquiline
What dosages is Bedaquiline available in?
Bedaquiline is available as a 20 mg and 100 mg oral tablet.
What is Bedaquiline used for?
Bedaquiline is an antitubercular agent and is used to treat tuberculosis (TB) lung infection that is resistant (doesn’t respond to) to other anti-TB antibiotics.
How does Bedaquiline work?
Bedaquiline is an antitubercular agent. It kills bacteria by blocking a protein that the bacteria need to make energy and survive.
How do I take Bedaquiline?
Bedaquiline is dosed as follows:
- Adults and children 5 years and older, weighing 30 kg (66 lbs) or more: Take 400 mg by mouth once daily for 2 weeks, then 200 mg three times per week (with at least 48 hours between doses) for 22 weeks
- For the 400 mg dose: Take 4 of the 100 mg tablets, or 20 of the 20 mg tablets
- For the 200 mg dose: Take 2 of the 100 mg tablets, or 10 of the 20 mg tablets
- Children (5 years and older, weighing 15 kg to 30 kg): Take 200 mg by mouth once daily for 2 weeks, then 100 mg three times per week (with at least 48 hours between doses) for 22 weeks
- For the 200 mg dose: Take 2 of the 100 mg tablets, or 10 of the 20 mg tablets
- For the 100 mg dose: Take one 100 mg tablet, or 5 of the 20 mg tablets
Is it safe for me to take Bedaquiline?
Bedaquiline is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Bedaquiline Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Bedaquiline:
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Low appetite
- Higher liver enzymes
- Rash
Bedaquiline Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Bedaquiline. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Higher risk of death
- Heart rhythm problems
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Bedaquiline
The following medications may interact with Bedaquiline:
- Avoid use of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers with Bedaquiline
- Avoid use for more than 14 consecutive days of systemic strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with Bedaquiline unless the benefit outweighs the risk. Monitor for Bedaquiline-related adverse reactions
Who makes Bedaquiline?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Bedaquiline safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Bedaquiline may harm your unborn baby. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
