Treatment of TB Disease
 Can TB disease be
cured?
YES! Antibiotics have cured thousands of people with
TB disease
in Canada. The most common drugs used to fight TB are
the following:
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Pyrazinamide (PZA)
- Rifampin
- Ethambutol
Your doctor will determine the best antibiotics
for you. Antibiotics must be taken for at least 6
months to kill all the TB bacteria. Taking more than
one antibiotic at a time prevents drug-resistant TB.
Are these antibiotics safe?
Treatment for TB
disease is relatively safe. Sometimes the
drugs may cause side effects. Some side effects are
minor problems. The side effects listed below are
serious. If you have any of these see your doctor
immediately:
-
no appetite
-
nausea
-
vomiting
-
yellowish skin or eyes
-
fever for 3 days or more
-
stomach pain
-
tingling fingers or toes
-
skin rash
-
easy bleeding
-
sore joints
-
dizziness
-
tingling or numbness around the mouth
-
easy bruising
-
blurred or changed vision
-
ringing in the ears
-
hearing loss.
It is always best not to drink alcohol while you are
taking TB
drugs.
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