Latent tb treatment

[Dogmom72]

Hello all! I discovered I have latent TB a few years ago via routine screening for working in a health center. I decided not to treat because the chance of activation is so low. But with covid I decided I should do the treatment. I’m having a lot of anxiety about the meds for the 3 month 3 HP treatment. I’m considering 4 month rifampin instead as it seems to have fewer side effects. Can anyone share your experience with either treatment regimen? Thanks so much!

[87wise]

Hey everyone in my family had treatment for latent tb and just felt abit off and tired etc they did various treatments due to ages etc but it defo is worth treating because covid allowed mine to activate and has caused a lot of problems xx

[Dogmom72 in reply to 87wise]

Thanks for letting me know. I’m sorry to hear that COVID-19 activated yours. Do you mean you had latent tb that became active when you got covid? I hope you are all doing okay.

[87wise in reply to Dogmom72]

Hi yes after having covid it activated latent tb that I didn’t realise I had I work in healthcare in the UK and it’s only ever checked when you come into the industry or change Trusts so it went undiagnosed unfortunately.

[Dogmom72 in reply to 87wise]

Oh my. I’ve been wondering about how often that’s been happening. I cannot find any good research on it. Hoping you are all recovering. This is the main reason why I’m reconsidering doing the treatment. Did you have a severe case of Covid-19?

[87wise in reply to Dogmom72]

I was unwell for around four weeks cough temperatures raging headaches and just couldn’t function but avoided being admitted althou if it was upto my husband he would have dragged me there kicking and screaming . Was working with covid so kind of inevitable I would catch it . I struggled to get hold of my tb meds due to the amount of people with pulmonary tb the pharmacy said your not in your own it seems like somethings going on as I now have met a lot of other nurses doctors etc who also have had same experience as me . I’d defiantly say get the treatment I’m still under respiratory and have open lung cavities have got another Ct scan next month to see if there is any further progress on the healing .

[TBinTexas]

I was on the isoniazid & Rifampin treatment& it was miserable for me. I had every side effect, including blood blisters on my entire body. Awful body aches & chills and muscle spasms all over my body that wouldn’t stop for hours.. my hair also started falling out. I don’t suggest Rifampin to anyone.

[Dogmom72 in reply to TBinTexas]

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you had unusually bad side effects. Did you finish the course of treatment?I was considering the rifampin only treatment

[TBinTexas in reply to Dogmom72]

Yes I did. As bad as it was, it was still better than letting the TB progress.

[Dogmom72 in reply to TBinTexas]

And it was for latent or active TB?

[TBinTexas in reply to Dogmom72]

Latent that has become active

[Akido]

3 months of Isoniazid lead me to severe liver elevation of almost 1k..took me almost 1-2 month to bring it down to below 30

[Dogmom72]

Oh no. I’m so sorry! We’re you getting regular blood work to monitor things?

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Dogmom72 - I am glad that you decided to take the plunge with latent TB treatment. That is definitely one less thing to worry about with covid going around. I am glad that you are getting some idea of other people's experience of side effects, this helps you feel less alone and you may get some useful tips on managing them. Remember though, everyone is different so you may have totally different experiences. The important thing is to keep a note and discuss anything you are concerned about with your medical professional - they will be able to help.Best wishes,

Helen

[1stlady]

Hi Dogmom72, I'd be really interested to know how you got on? My latent TB was diagnosed abroad 2 years ago, I'm now back in the UK and am wondering about treatment. My consultant suggested Rifanah for 3 months, but I'm really concerned with how brutal the treatment sounds compared to just a 5% risk now of getting active TB.

Incidentally, the consultant assured me there was no additional risk of having covid with latent TB.