Looking for others who have latent tuberculosis (TB)

@flor we took your questions about medications for latent TB and their side effects to a pharmacist here at Mayo Clinic. She writes: Common medications used for latent TB include isoniazid and rifampin. Sometimes a person will use one or the other, and sometimes they are used together. Usual treatment lasts for 6 to 9 months for isoniazid alone, lasts for 4 months if on rifampin alone, or lasts for 3 months if taking them together.

Isoniazid may increase the blood pressure, cause liver problems, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of breast tissue in males, vision problems, and vitamin B6 deficiency which may lead to peripheral neuropathy. It is sometimes recommended that a person taking isoniazid long term should also take a B6 supplement due to this side effect.

Rifampin must be taken on an empty stomach and can also affect the liver, cause stomach upset and rash. Less common side effects include swelling, flushing, itchy skin, muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, vision problems, and kidney problems.

When on either of these medications it is common to have routine bloodwork to monitor the kidneys and liver. It is also important to avoid alcohol and discuss all medications with your doctor or pharmacist as there may be a number of drug interactions.

Do you know if your family members are familiar with any of these drugs or have tried any yet?

Welcome back @jewel8888. It's good to hear from you.
You'll notice that I moved your message to this discussion about latent TB in the Infectious Diseases group. I'm so sorry that you are now dealing with this new diagnoses after getting an all-clear on the cavitary lesions.

I encourage you to click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification and read through the past responses that have quite a bit of information from @danielad, @flor and others.

Jewel, what medications did you start and how long will you be on them?

Welcome back @jewel8888. It's good to hear from you.
You'll notice that I moved your message to this discussion about latent TB in the Infectious Diseases group. I'm so sorry that you are now dealing with this new diagnoses after getting an all-clear on the cavitary lesions.

I encourage you to click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification and read through the past responses that have quite a bit of information from @danielad, @flor and others.

Jewel, what medications did you start and how long will you be on them?

It has been a while since I've posted. My recent lung report for a cavitary lesion was great news and no need for followup any longer. 30 days later I was slammed with a positive tb gold test and started med.

Your reply means the world to me and I have called our health dept. Gosh, she seems alarmed with all my problems , treatment and latent diagnosis. She is getting help and I am waiting on a call back. From having the cAviTary lesion diagnosis two yrs ago, a negative tb gold test now a positive one I am really confused. The spine pain has gotten worse so I am wondering if that is from tb. You are sweet to reply, i dont see anyone else here in my situation so thsnnk you for reaching out. Hugs