Should i take tb medicine

First you should have something called a tuberculin skin test. If this test is positive, then you should consider taking isoniazid preventative therapy. Toggle navigation TB Online. Questions and answers for people with TB or at risk of getting TB Please send us questions via the contact page of the site.

Questions and answers about TB treatment Here we try to answer commonly asked or difficult questions about taking treatment for tuberculosis.

Is TB a curable disease? How long do I have to take TB medicines? What are the differences between rifapentine, rifabutin and rifampicin and when would you use which? What is the difference between rifampicin and rifampin?

I am taking TB medicines. My urine or tears have turned orange. Is this a problem? Should I take isoniazid preventative therapy IPT? Questions and answers about TB treatment 1. Simple explanation TB is expelled into the sputum when TB-infected cells are killed.

What is isoniazid preventative therapy IPT? Studies show that taking isoniazid reduces the risk of you becoming ill with TB. Rifampin is a common medicine used to treat LTBI. It kills the sleeping TB germs before they make you sick. It can take many months for the medicine to kill the TB germs because they are strong. Take your Rifampin as often and as long as your doctor or nurse tells you.

Taking your Rifampin without food is best. If your stomach is upset, it is okay to take your Rifampin with a small amount of food or try taking it at bedtime.

It is important to kill TB germs so you and your family stay healthy. BCG protects children from severe forms of TB but only for a few years.

Tell your doctor or nurse before you move to another state or city. They can help you continue to get TB medicine after you move. Remember to take your TB medicine. If you miss too many days, the medicine might not work. Here are some ways to help remember:. If you miss any days, write them down so you can tell your doctor or nurse at your next appointment.

Keep all your medical appointments. Try to take your TB medicine at least one hour before you eat food or two hours afterwards. You can eat anything you like, but you should avoid drinking alcohol. You will receive support throughout your treatment from a doctor or TB specialist nurse. They will talk you through the treatment and answer any questions you may have. Once you have all the information you need, you will be able to decide whether treatment is the best option for you. If you have started treatment, but are still have concerns, remember your doctor and nurse are there to help.

Make sure you keep all your clinic appointments and tell your doctor or nurse any side effects you may have, or if you are having trouble to remember to take our medication — they will be able to help. If you complete your treatment as prescribed, your risk of developing active TB is much lower. However, it is possible you could breathe in the TB bacteria again in future. The chances of this are low for most people, but is useful to know the most common symptoms of active TB so you can see your GP if you have any of them:.

What treatment do I need for latent TB?