Buy Generic Trecator-sc Online

Generic Trecator-sc Information

Introduction

Trecator‑sc is an oral antibiotic that contains the active compound Ethionamide. It belongs to the class of anti‑tubercular agents and is used principally as a second‑line treatment for multidrug‑resistant tuberculosis (MDR‑TB). In Hong Kong, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) includes Ethionamide in the national tuberculosis treatment guidelines for patients whose disease does not respond to first‑line drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. The medication is manufactured by Janssen‑Cilag (a Johnson & Johnson company) and marketed under the brand name Trecator; the “‑sc” suffix denotes a specific formulation used in some overseas markets.

What is Trecator‑sc?

Trecator‑sc is a tablet formulation that delivers the synthetic antibiotic Ethionamide. Ethionamide is a thioamide analogue of the natural product isoniazid and acts as a pro‑drug that interferes with the synthesis of mycolic acids, essential components of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall.

• Classification: Antibiotic – anti‑tubercular (second‑line)
• Development: Synthesised in the 195s; approved for TB treatment in many countries after clinical trials demonstrated efficacy against resistant strains.
• Manufacturer: Janssen‑Cilag (Johnson & Johnson).

Trecator‑sc is the same generic molecule as the original brand Trecator; the “‑sc” formulation differs only in excipients used for tablet stability and is bioequivalent in clinical effect.

How Trecator‑sc Works

Ethionamide is a pro‑drug that must be activated inside the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell by the enzyme EthA, a monooxygenase. Once activated, the drug forms a covalent adduct with the enzyme InhA, a key component of the fatty‑acid synthase II (FAS‑II) system. Inhibition of InhA blocks the elongation of mycolic acids, which are long‑chain fatty acids forming the waxy outer layer of the bacterial cell wall.

• Onset of action: Clinical bacterial suppression typically occurs within 2–3 weeks of consistent dosing, reflecting the slow replication rate of M. tuberculosis.
• Duration: Treatment courses for MDR‑TB usually last 12–24 months, with Ethionamide administered daily or intermittently based on regimen design.
• Clearance: Ethionamide is metabolised primarily by hepatic microsomal enzymes (CYP2E1, CYP2C19) and excreted in urine as inactive metabolites. The mean elimination half‑life is approximately 2–3 hours, but steady‑state concentrations are achieved after 5–7 days of regular dosing.

Conditions Treated with Trecator‑sc

• Multidrug‑Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR‑TB): Defined as TB resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampicin. Ethionamide is recommended when susceptibility testing confirms activity.
• Extensively Drug‑Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR‑TB): When additional resistance (e.g., to fluoroquinolones or injectable agents) exists, Ethionamide may be part of an individualized regimen.
• Rarely, Non‑Tuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Infections: Limited case reports suggest benefit in certain NTM pulmonary infections, though this is off‑label.

Epidemiological relevance in Hong Kong
Hong Kong reports an annual TB incidence of ~50 cases per 100,000 population, with MDR‑TB representing an estimated 2–3 % of all cases. The public health authority maintains a directly observed therapy (DOT) programme that incorporates Ethionamide for patients failing first‑line treatment, making Trecator‑sc a critical component of the local TB control strategy.

Who is Trecator‑sc For?

• Patients with confirmed MDR‑TB whose drug‑susceptibility testing (DST) shows sensitivity to Ethionamide.
• Individuals undergoing individualized XDR‑TB regimens where Ethionamide contributes to a synergistic drug combination.
• Adults (≥18 years) who have adequate liver function (ALT/AST ≤2.5 × ULN) and no contraindicating comorbidities.
• Patients able to adhere to long‑term daily therapy and attend regular monitoring for toxicity.

Contra‑indications / cautionary scenarios

• Severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh C) or active liver disease.
• Known hypersensitivity to Ethionamide or any tablet excipients.
• Pregnancy (Category C) – use only if potential benefit outweighs fetal risk.
• Concomitant use of strong CYP2E1 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine) that may reduce drug exposure.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
• Anorexia and weight loss
• Mild rash or pruritus
• Peripheral neuropathy (often mitigated with pyridoxine supplementation)

Rare

• Hepatotoxicity manifested by elevated transaminases or bilirubin
• Severe dermatologic reactions (e.g., Stevens‑Johnson syndrome)
• Hematologic abnormalities (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia)

Serious

• Drug‑induced liver injury requiring discontinuation and possible hospitalization.
• Severe peripheral neuropathy leading to functional impairment.
• Hypersensitivity anaphylaxis – immediate medical attention required.

Important drug–drug interactions

• Cytochrome P450 2E1 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital) → reduced Ethionamide plasma levels.
• Cytochrome P450 2E1 inhibitors (e.g., disulfiram) → increased risk of toxicity.
• Isoniazid – concurrent use may increase neurotoxicity; pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is recommended.
• Antiretroviral agents (e.g., efavirenz) – monitor liver enzymes closely due to additive hepatotoxic potential.

Patients should disclose all concomitant medicines, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to their healthcare provider.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing: 15–20 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into 1–2 doses. Typical tablets (250 mg) are taken once daily; some regimens use twice‑daily dosing to improve tolerance.
• Adjustment for hepatic impairment: Reduce dose by 30–50 % if ALT/AST >3 × ULN.
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten within 6 hours, take it as soon as remembered. If >6 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dizziness. Immediate medical evaluation is required; supportive care (activated charcoal, gastric lavage) may be employed.

Practical precautions

• Take tablets with food to minimise gastrointestinal upset.
• Avoid alcohol, which can exacerbate hepatotoxicity.
• Supplement with pyridoxine 25–50 mg daily to prevent peripheral neuropathy, especially when combined with isoniazid.
• Regular monitoring (baseline and monthly liver function tests, complete blood count, and visual acuity) is essential throughout therapy.

Buying Trecator‑sc from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients in Hong Kong who encounter limited local supply or high retail prices can obtain Trecator‑sc through our online pharmacy in Hong Kong.

• Affordable pricing: We source the medication close to manufacturer cost, passing savings directly to the consumer.
• Verified quality: All tablets are procured from licensed overseas wholesalers that meet WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging with express shipping (typically 7 days) or regular airmail (≈3 weeks) ensures timely receipt.
• Online‑only access: Our pharmacy broker service collaborates with overseas licensed pharmacies, allowing patients to obtain international medications that are otherwise unavailable locally.
• Privacy‑focused: Orders are processed without requiring personal identification beyond what is legally required for import; packaging bears no branding to protect confidentiality.

By choosing our online pharmacy, patients gain a reliable, cost‑effective pathway to continue essential MDR‑TB therapy when conventional channels are insufficient.

FAQ

• Is Trecator‑sc available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes. The original brand name is Trecator, produced by Janssen‑Cilag, while generic versions containing the same active compound, Ethionamide, are marketed under the name Trecator‑sc. Generic formulations are usually less expensive but meet the same regulatory standards.

• What should I do if I need to travel abroad while taking Trecator‑sc?
  Carry the medication in its original labeled container, along with a copy of the prescription or a physician’s letter if required by customs. Keep tablets protected from extreme temperature fluctuations; a small insulated pouch can help maintain stability during long flights.

• Does food affect the absorption of Ethionamide?
  Taking Trecator‑sc with a moderate‑fat meal can reduce gastrointestinal irritation without significantly compromising absorption. Very high‑fat meals may slightly lower peak plasma concentrations, so consistent dietary habits are advisable.

• How are the tablets of Trecator‑sc identified?
  The tablets are round, white to off‑white, film‑coated, and embossed with “250 mg” on one side and “T‑SC” on the other. Inactive ingredients typically include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate, though formulations can vary by manufacturer.

• Can Ethionamide be detected on standard drug‑screening tests?
  Ethionamide is not part of routine occupational or sports drug panels, and it does not produce a positive result for commonly screened substances such as opioids, cannabinoids, or stimulants.

• Are there special storage requirements for humid climates like Hong Kong?
  Store tablets in a dry, tightly sealed container at room temperature (15–30 °C). Avoid bathroom cabinets where humidity is high; a kitchen cupboard or a dedicated medication box is preferable.

• What are the key differences between the US and Asian formulations of Ethionamide?
  The active ingredient and dosage strength are identical, but excipients may differ. Asian formulations often use magnesium stearate as a lubricant, whereas some US products include sodium starch glycolate as a disintegrant. These differences do not affect therapeutic efficacy.

• Is there a risk of cross‑resistance between Ethionamide and other anti‑TB drugs?
  Ethionamide shares a similar activation pathway with isoniazid (via the EthA enzyme). Mutations in the ethA gene can confer cross‑resistance, but this is relatively uncommon. Drug‑susceptibility testing remains essential to guide regimen selection.

• Can I take vitamin C supplements while on Trecator‑sc?
  Vitamin C does not interfere with Ethionamide metabolism and can be taken safely. However, high‑dose antioxidant supplements may theoretically affect oxidative activation of the pro‑drug; moderate daily intake (≤100 mg) is considered safe.

• What is the environmental impact of disposing unused Ethionamide tablets?
  Ethionamide is not classified as a hazardous pharmaceutical waste, but tablets should not be flushed. The recommended disposal method is to return them to a pharmacy for safe incineration or to follow local hazardous‑waste collection guidelines.

Glossary

Pro‑drug

A medication administered in an inactive form that is converted into its active substance within the body, as Ethionamide is activated by the bacterial enzyme EthA.

Mycolic acid

Long‑chain fatty acids that form a waxy layer in the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, essential for bacterial survival and pathogenicity.

Hepatotoxicity

Chemical‑induced damage to the liver, detected by elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and potentially leading to jaundice or liver failure.

CYP450 2E1

A member of the cytochrome P450 enzyme family that metabolises Ethionamide; drugs that induce or inhibit this enzyme can alter Ethionamide blood levels.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Trecator‑sc is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Trecator‑sc for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.