diff --git a/python/lttoolbox.i.in b/python/lttoolbox.i.in
index 6408fa6e..be66d030 100644
--- a/python/lttoolbox.i.in
+++ b/python/lttoolbox.i.in
@@ -37,16 +37,9 @@
 #include <lttoolbox/my_stdio.h>
 #include <lttoolbox/lt_locale.h>
 
-#include <getopt.h>
+#include <unicode/ustdio.h>
 
-	// no idea why this is required, but apparently it is
-	int32_t u_sprintf(UChar* buf, const char* pat, ...) {
-		va_list arg;
-		va_start(arg, pat);
-		int32_t ret = u_vsprintf(buf, pat, arg);
-		va_end(arg);
-		return ret;
-	}
+#include <getopt.h>
 
 class FST: public FSTProcessor
 {