Buy Trecator-SC
Trecator-SC

$3.66
Category
Active Ingredient
Delivery
Airmail (14-21 days) | EMS trackable (5-9 days)
Prescription
Issued on site / Included
Availability
In Stock
Product is shipped in a fully discreet envelope with no content disclosure, including all required documentation inside

Trecator-SC Properties

Active Ingredients
Primary Category
Pharmacological Class
Thioamide
Indications
Contraindications
Minor Side Effects
Moderate Side Effects
Dosage Forms
Tablets
Administration Route
Oral
Mechanism of Action
Works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause tuberculosis, helping the body fight off the infection.
Prescription Status
Rx
Manufacturer
Pfizer
Patient Summary
Used to treat tuberculosis, typically as part of a combination therapy with other medications.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
Pregnancy Use
Consult doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

About Trecator-SC

Trecator-SC - the brand name for a 250 mg oral tablet containing ethionamide - is a prescription medication used primarily in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis. Classified as a second-line anti-mycobacterial agent, it belongs to the thioamide class of antibiotics that interrupt the synthesis of essential bacterial cell-wall components. In Australia the product is listed on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) register as a Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicine, and it is supplied through specialised TB centres and, where indicated, via private pharmacies. While its main indication is pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB resistant to first-line drugs, clinicians sometimes consider ethionamide for other atypical mycobacterial infections when susceptibility testing supports its use.

What is Generic Trecator-SC (Ethionamide)?

Generic Trecator-SC (Ethionamide) is a thioamide anti-tubercular tablet that received TGA approval for use as part of combination regimens targeting MDR-TB and XDR-TB. The active ingredient, ethionamide, is chemically related to the first-line drug isoniazid but retains activity against many isoniazid-resistant strains. Because it is supplied only on prescription, it is typically obtained through specialised infectious-disease clinics or accredited pharmacies. The 250 mg formulation is the most common strength used in Australian treatment protocols, and dosing is individualized according to body weight, severity of disease, and hepatic function.

How Trecator-SC Works

Ethionamide exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting the enzyme InhA, an enoyl-ACP reductase that partakes in the synthesis of mycolic acids-long-chain fatty acids that form a crucial component of the mycobacterial cell wall. By blocking this step, the drug prevents the assembly of the lipid-rich outer layer, rendering the bacterium vulnerable to host defenses and to the action of companion drugs.

After oral ingestion, the tablet dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract andethionamide is absorbed rapidly, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2-3 hours. It is extensively metabolised in the liver, primarily via acetylation, and exhibits a terminal half-life of approximately 4 hours in extensive acetylators, extending to 10 hours in slow acetylators. The drug penetrates well into lung tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and even caseous necrotic lesions, which is essential for eradicating persistent bacilli.

Because ethionamide is a pro-drug that requires activation by the mycobacterial enzyme EthA, resistance can arise through mutations that reduce EthA expression or alter the target InhA. Cross-resistance with isoniazid is common, but ethionamide retains activity against many strains that are resistant to isoniazid due to KatG mutations.

Why Trecator-SC Is Used for Infection Treatment

  • Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis - Ethionamide is a core component of the WHO-recommended MDR-TB regimen when susceptibility testing confirms activity. By targeting mycolic-acid synthesis, it complements agents that act on protein synthesis or DNA replication, creating a synergistic effect.
  • Extensively drug-resistant TB - In XDR-TB, where resistance limits options, ethionamide often remains one of the few oral agents with retained potency, particularly when combined with newer drugs such as bedaquiline or delamanid.
  • Extrapulmonary TB (e.g., meningeal, skeletal) - The drug’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and achieve therapeutic concentrations in bone makes it valuable for these difficult-to-treat sites.
  • Atypical mycobacterial infections - Certain rapidly growing mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium abscessus) exhibit susceptibility to ethionamide in vitro, and clinicians may incorporate it into multidrug regimens when other options are contraindicated.
  • Guideline positioning - The Australian Therapeutic Guidelines recommend ethionamide as a second-line oral agent, typically after resistance to first-line drugs has been documented. In many national algorithms it occupies a “core drug” slot, meaning it is retained throughout the intensive phase of therapy.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Trecator-SC

Robust clinical trials outside of TB are limited. Small case series have explored ethionamide for chronic cutaneous mycobacterial infections and for certain nontuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases, but evidence remains preliminary. Off-label use should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Trecator-SC Right for You?

Ethionamide is appropriate for adults with confirmed or strongly suspected MDR or XDR tuberculosis, especially when susceptibility testing shows the isolate is sensitive. It is less suitable for patients with severe hepatic impairment, as the drug is metabolised by the liver and can exacerbate liver injury. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are generally advised against its use because animal studies have demonstrated teratogenic effects, and human data are insufficient. Elderly patients may require lower doses if they are slow acetylators, a genetic trait that becomes more prevalent with age. Renal dysfunction does not markedly affect drug clearance, but dose adjustment may be needed for concomitant nephrotoxic agents.

Patients with known hypersensitivity to thioamides, or those who have previously experienced severe peripheral neuropathy while on ethionamide, should avoid it. As always, the decision to start therapy rests on a comprehensive assessment by an infectious-disease specialist familiar with drug-resistance patterns.

Taking Trecator-SC Effectively

  • Timing - Take the tablet with food to reduce gastrointestinal irritation; a light snack is sufficient.
  • Divided doses - The total daily dose (generally 15-20 mg/kg) is split into two or three administrations to maintain steadier plasma levels and to lessen peak-related side effects.
  • Alcohol - Avoid excessive alcohol, as both ethionamide and alcohol are metabolised by hepatic enzymes, increasing the risk of liver toxicity.
  • Missed dose - If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember unless the next scheduled dose is due within a few hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose.
  • Travel - When traveling to regions with limited medical facilities, carry a sufficient supply (up to 30 days) and keep tablets in their original, clearly labelled containers to satisfy customs regulations.
  • Adherence - Ethionamide is part of a long-term regimen (often 12-24 months). Setting daily alarms or using a medication-tracking app can help maintain consistency, which is critical for preventing further resistance.

Understanding Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Ethionamide’s side-effect profile reflects its impact on hepatic metabolism and mitochondrial function:

  • Hepatotoxicity - Elevated transaminases occur in up to 15 % of patients. Routine liver function tests every 2 weeks during the intensive phase are recommended. If ALT/AST exceed three times the upper limit of normal with symptoms, discontinue the drug and switch to an alternative.
  • Gastro-intestinal upset - Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort are common early on. Taking the tablet with meals and staying hydrated often mitigates these effects.
  • Peripheral neuropathy - The drug can interfere with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) metabolism, leading to tingling or numbness in the extremities. Prophylactic pyridoxine 25 mg daily is standard practice, particularly for patients with baseline nutritional deficiencies.
  • Hypothyroidism - Rarely, ethionamide impairs thyroid hormone synthesis. Periodic TSH monitoring is advised for patients on therapy longer than 6 months.
  • Visual disturbances - Optic neuritis is infrequent but serious. Prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted if patients notice blurred vision or color-vision changes.

Most adverse events are dose-related and improve after dose reduction or symptom-directed interventions. Severe reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or drug-induced lupus require immediate cessation and urgent medical care.

Buying Trecator-SC from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service?

Access to specialised anti-TB medicines can be challenging, especially for patients living far from tertiary centres. Our online pharmacy streamlines the process, offering discreet ordering, pharmacist-reviewed prescriptions, and direct shipping to any Australian address.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed Australian and internationally accredited pharmacies that adhere to TGA-mandated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. Every batch of Trecator-SC is sourced from manufacturers that meet WHO pre-qualification criteria, ensuring identity, potency, and purity.

Pricing & Access

Because ethionamide is available as a generic, our platform can offer it at a fraction of the price quoted by specialty clinics. Bulk-order discounts and a lifetime 10 % rebate on all re-orders make long-term therapy more affordable. Comparable alternatives such as prothionamide or high-cost newer agents are listed side-by-side for easy comparison.

Discreet Delivery

Orders are packaged in neutral, tamper-evident envelopes. Express shipping typically arrives within 7 days, while standard delivery takes up to 3 weeks. Tracking information is provided at each step, and we respect privacy at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is a blood test required before starting Trecator-SC? Baseline liver function, renal profile, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are advisable to identify pre-existing abnormalities and to create a reference for ongoing monitoring.

  • Can I take Trecator-SC with other anti-TB drugs? Yes. Ethionamide is deliberately combined with rifampicin, fluoroquinolones, or injectables in MDR-TB regimens. Pharmacists review for potential drug-drug interactions, especially with enzyme-inducing agents that may accelerate ethionamide metabolism.

  • What should I do if I develop a rash? A mild, transient rash often resolves with antihistamines, but any widespread or blistering eruption warrants immediate discontinuation and urgent medical assessment for possible severe cutaneous reactions.

  • Does Trecator-SC affect my ability to drive? The medication itself does not impair cognition, but peripheral neuropathy or visual changes could influence driving safety. Report any new sensory symptoms promptly.

  • Will taking Trecator-SC make me sterile? No evidence links ethionamide to infertility in humans. Animal studies have not shown reproductive toxicity at therapeutic doses.

  • How does ethionamide differ from isoniazid? Both target mycolic-acid synthesis, yet ethionamide remains active against many isoniazid-resistant strains because it bypasses the KatG activation step required by isoniazid. Its side-effect profile is also distinct, with a higher propensity for hepatotoxicity and neuropathy.

  • Can I use vitamin B6 supplements instead of pyridoxine? Pyridoxine is the pharmacologically active form of vitamin B6 used to prevent neuropathy. Standard supplementation (25 mg pyridoxine) is preferred over generic multivitamins to ensure adequate dosing.

  • Is Trecator-SC safe for people with HIV? Yes, ethionamide is routinely co-prescribed with antiretroviral therapy. However, clinicians monitor for additive hepatotoxicity, as some protease inhibitors share liver-impacting pathways.

  • What happens if I miss several doses in a row? Missing two or more consecutive doses increases the risk of resistance. Contact your treating physician promptly; they may restart therapy at a lower dose or adjust the overall regimen.

  • Can I store Trecator-SC in a bathroom cabinet? The tablets should be kept below 30 °C, away from moisture and direct sunlight. A kitchen cabinet or a bedroom drawer is suitable, provided the environment remains dry.

  • Is there a generic alternative that is cheaper? Ethionamide itself is the generic molecule. In Australia, the same 250 mg tablets are marketed by several licensed distributors; price differences are modest, and our platform highlights the most cost-effective option.

Glossary

Mycolic acid
Long-chain fatty acids that form a protective, waxy layer in the mycobacterial cell wall; inhibition disrupts cell integrity.
Acetylator phenotype
Genetic variation determining how quickly a person metabolises drugs that undergo hepatic acetylation, influencing ethionamide half-life and toxicity risk.
Cross-resistance
A situation where resistance to one drug (e.g., isoniazid) confers reduced susceptibility to another drug with a similar target (e.g., ethionamide).
Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA)
The enzyme catalysing a key step in mycolic-acid biosynthesis; ethionamide binds to and inhibits this enzyme.
Peripheral neuropathy
Damage to peripheral nerves manifesting as tingling, burning, or numbness, often mitigated by pyridoxine supplementation.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Trecator-SC is intended for general educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any off-label application of the medication must be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy supplies Trecator-SC as a means of access for individuals who encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies or insurance-based channels, offering a cost-effective alternative. Always consult your physician or a licensed pharmacist before initiating, modifying, or discontinuing any treatment.

External Resources about Trecator-SC


Information Prepared By

Sarah Jones
Tosin (Olalekan) Olaluwoye, MD, PhD