Tuberculosis

[Guest]

I had a positive PPD. Because of the "size" of the reaction, and the fact that I am diabetic, they decided I should go on INH for Preventative treament. (Chest Xrays showed that the TB was not active). I began the INH treatment about 2 mos. ago. I started feeling really bad within a week of the first dose.. But after 3 weeks, I was so sick I could barely function. My liver was enlarged. I had difficulty breathing from what seemed to be fluid built up in my chest. My regular nurse said that she believed I was on the verge on liver failure, and told me I should not take another dose of it. After a month, the health department put me back on INH . They did a liver panel but didnt wait for the results of it! The person who dispenses the medication at the Health department couldn't answer any of my questions and seems to know less about this than I have learned on my own through reading. She said that the symtoms I had were not caused by the INH. Then, she made me sign a contract promising that I would not miss another pick up, and that I would stay on the INH. She doesnt seem to care whether I am in danger of Liver failure or not. I told her before starting the INH that It was possible that I had hepatitus C from a blood transfusion and she said they didn't deal with that, and didn't know anything about it or if INH would cause the Hep C to go active. She told me that the symptoms I had read about everywhere that signal danger were just normal side effects of this drug and not to worry about them.. And that if I stopped taking it after starting, that I was increasing the risk that I would become active. (I know about the risk of becomming resistant, but this isn't what she was talking about) I am willing to do what I have to do to avoid becomming active and making my family sick, but I dont want to go into liver failure! Can anyone tell me what side effects ARE normal ?? I live in a state where treament is Manditory, and they seem to have the attitude that you are going to make up things to get out of taking it.! Can you tell me where I might find more answers to things like what to expect and what does signal danger? I am afraid that when I start this up again, it will be alot worse than it was before, alot faster.
I was given a vitamin B6 cpmplex with the INH that was suppose to lessen side effects. , It seems to make me sicker than the INH does. Is it absolutely necessary to take this with INH? (It contains 2500 times the daily requirment of vitamin b6) I know these are things I should ask a doctor, but they have not let me see one. The nurse at the health department talks to the doctor and then tells me what he said.When I ask her a question says she doesnt know and I shouldn't be looking it up on the computer because I'm not a health care professional. I am unwilling to just leave my future in someones hands that won't answer my questions.The fact that I was in pre-med when I had an auto accident makes me want more info than want to give me.Anything you all can tell me about this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Guest]

Jessie, some of the symptoms you describe could be due to the INH and you do need to have your liver function tested when you are taking it. There are other drugs you can take if you cannot tolerate the INH. Given that you are diabetic, you are at an increased risk of this becoming active TB so prevention is very important. The vitamin b6 prevents some of the neurological side effects of the INH but you do not have to take it if it makes you ill. I would strongly suggest you see your physician or perhaps a pulmonary group at a city or university hospital to help manage this if you are dissatisfied with the health department.
[quote] I had a positive PPD. Because of the "size" of the reaction, and the fact that I am diabetic, they decided I should go on INH for Preventative treament... [/quote]