Treatment for positive ppd skin test?!
Question: i had a positive ppd skin test and my doc wants to treat me for 9 months on INH treatment... what effects will this have on me... what is it?
Answers: i had a positive ppd skin test and my doc wants to treat me for 9 months on INH treatment... what effects will this have on me... what is it?
First, let me be perfectly clear.......I have worked with tuberculosis testing in a public health setting for many years. TB should NEVER be treated with one drug. The conventional treatment for tuberculosis is always AT LEAST two drugs in combination.
INH or isoniazid is one of the primary front-line drugs for tb. It can cause gastric upset and liver complications. You must have liver function studies during treatment to monitor any possible side-affects. You MUST take the tb medications for the full prescribed time.
I highly suggest you consult an infectious disease specialist or an internist with extensive experience treating tuberculosis.
Good Luck
I have to get tested tommorrow because I have been exposed, so I have been asking around. My 2 sisters who are nurses also have positive PPD's and took the INH. My sisters both told me its really a rough treatment. I guess it made them feel sick.
Hopefully you went for a chest x-ray which is the next step after a pos. ppd.
INH is just a simple treatment for a pos. ppd.
yes it's a long treatment but that's because of how the disease works.
it is a very slow progressing disease and you can't just kill it with one pill.
As stated, if you haven't already I would get a chest xray as it is standard after getting a positive result.
They are looking for disease progression in your lungs.
the INH does make some people feel sick .. it's common honestly.
I would (if your old enough) advice against Alcohol during this time.
INH can mess with your liver if you add Alcohol to the mix.
you will probably be asked to get a liver panel (blood test ) done at least once a month as well while you undergo treatment.
INH is a pretty safe treatment plan to be on though.
you don't want to get Active TB.
Good luck with it.