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Overview: Trecator is used with other medicines for tuberculosis. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Trecator can also cause vision changes. Report any change in your vision to your health care provider right away.  It is important to complete your prescribed course of Trecator, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Trecator or other similar medicines.

Uses

What is Trecator used for?

Trecator (ethionamide) is commonly used to treat tuberculosis  (in combination with other medicine).

Trecator may not be appropriate for some of the infections listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have developed resistance to ethionamide, which will make it not work as well.

Trecator may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Trecator work (mechanism of action)?

Trecator helps stop the tuberculosis bacteria from multiplying in your body. This makes it easier for your body to fight off the infection and get rid of the bacteria.

How is Trecator supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Trecator

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral tablets

How should I store Trecator?

Trecator should be stored between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C).

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Trecator?

The most common side effects of Trecator are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Making more saliva than usual
  • Mouth sores
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss

There may be other side effects of Trecator that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Trecator?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Trecator are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trecator may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored pee
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Trecator can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop Trecator and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Trecator?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Trecator.

  • Ethionamide
  • Trecator
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Trecator.

Liver Problems. Trecator should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

What should I know about Trecator before using it?

Do not take Trecator unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Trecator with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Trecator out of the reach of children.

Trecator can cause vision changes. Your health care provider will likely check your vision before starting this medicine and while you are taking it. Report any change in your vision to your health care provider right away.

Your health care provider may check blood work before you start this medicine and while you are taking it. It is important to keep all appointments, including those for blood work.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Trecator, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Trecator or other similar medicines.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Trecator?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Trecator is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • History of taking medicine to treat tuberculosis
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid problems
  • Eye or vision problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Trecator may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking isoniazid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Trecator could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Trecator while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Trecator passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Trecator.

How can I get more information about Trecator?

For more information about Trecator, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.pfizer.com/products/product-detail/trecator or call them at 800-438-1985.

Interactions

Does Trecator interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Trecator and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Trecator. The risk of liver damage and mood or behavior changes may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Trecator. It is best to limit alcohol while taking Trecator.

Does Trecator interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any other medicines, including isoniazid, to treat tuberculosis before taking Trecator.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Trecator. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Trecator?

If you or someone else has used too much Trecator, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Trecator?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Trecator, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Trecator or other similar medicines.