Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of ...

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Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of Bacterial Meningitis (including Meningococcal Disease) Example Rifampicin – adult PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING RIFAMPICIN What is Rifampicin You have been prescribed the antibiotic called Rifampicin. It comes as a tablet or syrup. It is suitable for people of all ages and is a well-known antibiotic used to treat many different conditions. Why have I been advised to take this antibiotic You have been in close contact with a suspected case of Meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease may cause meningitis or septicaemia (blood poisoning). The risk of catching the infection from a case is extremely low. The Meningococcal germ can be carried in the nose and throat. This antibiotic will kill those germs. Will this antibiotic eliminate the possibility of developing meningitis or septicaemia Taking the antibiotic will reduce the possibility of developing meningitis or septicaemia. But it will not completely eliminate this possibility; so do remain alert for the development of symptoms. You might also be recommended vaccination if appropriate. How should I take the antibiotic It is important that you take the antibiotic as instructed. The medicine should ideally be taken about 30 minutes before food or 2 hours afterwards to ensure that it is fully active in your body. The complete course requires you to take 4 doses of the antibiotic and will last for 2 days. Each dose should be taken 12 hours after the previous dose. It is essential that you complete the 2-day course. Before starting the antibiotics, is there anything I should let the doctor know Please remember to inform the public health doctor before taking this antibiotic: • If you are taking any other medication e.g. for epilepsy or blood thinning medication • If you have a liver problem • If you have any drug allergies (including Rifampicin) • If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant • If you are on hormonal contraceptives (females). These contraceptives include the oral contraceptive pill, contraceptive patches and implants). The doctor may have to arrange for you to have a different antibiotic. Can this antibiotic interfere with the contraceptives (“The Pill” or “The Mini-Pill” or “patches” or “contraceptive implants” e.g. implanon) Yes, rifampicin can interfere with these hormonal contraceptives. If you are on any of these please speak with the doctor as an alternative antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) may be a better choice for you as it does not interfere with the oral contraceptive pill. If you are on a hormonal contraceptive and are still recommended Rifampicin Rifampicin can interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (“The Pill” or “The Mini-Pill” or “patches” or “contraceptive implants” e.g. implanon) while you are taking the antibiotic and for up to four weeks after.. If you are on an oral contraceptive pill (OCP) you should continue to take the OCP, omitting any pill free interval while -96-
Guidelines for the Early Clinical and Public Health Management of Bacterial Meningitis (including Meningococcal Disease) taking rifampicin and for the seven days after the last dose of rifampicin. All users of hormonal contraceptives should use additional alternative precautions (e.g. condoms) while you are taking the antibiotic and for up to four weeks after. What side effects may I experience while taking the antibiotic Most people who take Rifampicin do not experience any difficulties with it. The possible side effects of Rifampicin include: • Orange/red staining of urine, tears, sweat, saliva and faeces for a few days- this is normal • Soft contact lenses may become permanently discoloured so should not be worn while taking the antibiotic and for one week after completing the treatment. • Tummy upset, diarrhoea and nausea • Skin flushing and itching with or without a rash • Very rarely, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) • Reduction of effect of blood thinning medication (anticoagulants), diabetic medication, some types of epilepsy medication Further information on the drug Rifampicin is contained in the Product Information Leaflet inside the pack. What your doctor needs to know Your family doctor will be informed that you have been advised to take these antibiotics. If you or any member of the family develop fever, headache, vomiting, neck pain, dislike of bright lights, a red purple rash which does not fade on pressure, dizziness or any other symptoms mentioned in the enclosed leaflet on meningococcal disease, contact your family doctor immediately and bring this leaflet with you. If you have any queries, please contact one of the Public Health doctors at the number above. Yours sincerely, Senior Medical Officer -97-
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