Tuberculosis Isoniazid

Hi, C..

I was on Isoniazid (INH) for a year in 1991, back before I was a mom, when I was a bit younger (24) and entering the healthcare field. I personally did not experience any side effects with the meds, or any subsequent issues with TB symptoms. The thing to remember is that once you have a positive TB skin test (PPD), regardless of the meds, you will always have a positive skin test. In order to determine if the meds have worked and you are not infectious, they have to do a chest x-ray, not a skin test. You also need to be sure if/when you are on the meds, that you take them AS PRESCRIBED, or you risk that the treatment will not "contain" the TB infection. TB is an airborne disease, so it can be spread easily.

In my mind, not taking the meds, or taking them here and there, is far riskier to your health and the health of your loved ones (and the general public), than any side effects you might encounter. As always, talk to your doctor or local center for disease control, if you have questions or concerns about the proposed INH treatment or the positive TB skin test.

Good luck to you!
V.

Yikes! I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering with this. According to Wikipedia, it looks like there is another drug called Rifampicin that you can take. In my quick search, it looks like it has a lot less risks but check it out yourself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuberculosis#Treatment

You are doing the right thing! Stay on top of your health and ALWAYS do your own research.

Best wishes to you.
N.

I don't know if you are taking it as a preventative or for actual TB, but it is very important that you do not start it, then discontinue. This is what creates the antibiotic resistant strains. It can have some yucky side effects but it is a necessary evil. Please talk with your health care provider before making any changes.

I actually had to take that medication after having a positive test (I was working in a health care facility and must have been exposed). I never had the disease, just a positive test, so I had to take 6 months of isoniazid. I don't remember any side effects at all-but I was about 21 years old-young and full of energy. I do remember having to keep regular appointments with the department of public health, however. The biggest side effect now, is that I can never have another TB blood test (which, again, is really only an issue if you work in hospitals). Instead I have to have a chest X-ray as a screening test.

Good luck.
J.