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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Isoniazid Tablets Without Confirmed Diagnosis Of TB?
Question: I did a mantoux testing. The area where it was done turned reddish but it wasn't a bump. My doctor advised me to do chest XRay to see if any signs of TB was there. The Xray was normal. He said that the TUBERCULOSIS germ is in my body but it is not showing in my lungs or chest area.
I'm guessing he is basing that assumption on the redness at the site where the mantoux was done.
He prescribed me to take Isoniazid 1 tablet once a day for 3 months along with Vitamin B-13 1/2 tablet once a day for three months.
He said gat this will prevent me from getting TUBERCULOSIS.
However I am skeptical about taking the Isoniazid tablets. I am afraid of the side effects.
I also read online where they said that the redness at the site of the mantoux isn't really a concern, only if it was swollen. But my doctor seemed to think otherwise.
I need to know if I should take the pills or not.
I'm guessing he is basing that assumption on the redness at the site where the mantoux was done.
He prescribed me to take Isoniazid 1 tablet once a day for 3 months along with Vitamin B-13 1/2 tablet once a day for three months.
He said gat this will prevent me from getting TUBERCULOSIS.
However I am skeptical about taking the Isoniazid tablets. I am afraid of the side effects.
I also read online where they said that the redness at the site of the mantoux isn't really a concern, only if it was swollen. But my doctor seemed to think otherwise.
I need to know if I should take the pills or not.
Brief Answer:
Mantoux test is positive if redness measures 15 mm or more in 72 hours
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. It is true that isoniazid tablets should not be taken without confirmed diagnosis of TB. It is important to consult a TB specialist and confirm diagnosis before starting medicine.
2. I would like to know what made you consult the doctor and if you had continuous fever, weakness or loss of weight in last 2 months and any lumps anywhere or discharge. Your chest X ray is normal and therefore I guess you are not having any cough.
3. Though cough is the commonest symptom of TB however the disease can affect any organ from head to toe. At least 30 percent of people have TB outside the lung.
4. Mantoux test is a screening test and many people have false positive report. If the redness is 15 mm or more between 48 to 72 hours in adults without any risk factors then it is said to be positive.
5. It is important to know after how many hours following the Mantoux injection did you see the redness and was the measurement at 72 hours. This is the criteria for a normal adult without any risk factor for TB. Even after positive result for Mantoux the patient should consult TB specialist and confirm diagnosis.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Mantoux test is positive if redness measures 15 mm or more in 72 hours
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. It is true that isoniazid tablets should not be taken without confirmed diagnosis of TB. It is important to consult a TB specialist and confirm diagnosis before starting medicine.
2. I would like to know what made you consult the doctor and if you had continuous fever, weakness or loss of weight in last 2 months and any lumps anywhere or discharge. Your chest X ray is normal and therefore I guess you are not having any cough.
3. Though cough is the commonest symptom of TB however the disease can affect any organ from head to toe. At least 30 percent of people have TB outside the lung.
4. Mantoux test is a screening test and many people have false positive report. If the redness is 15 mm or more between 48 to 72 hours in adults without any risk factors then it is said to be positive.
5. It is important to know after how many hours following the Mantoux injection did you see the redness and was the measurement at 72 hours. This is the criteria for a normal adult without any risk factor for TB. Even after positive result for Mantoux the patient should consult TB specialist and confirm diagnosis.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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