Side Effects of Tuberculosis Treatment

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Most cases can be cured with a combination of medicines taken from six to nine months. Side effects are not common, but they can be serious.

Standard Treatments

• Isoniazid is the standard treatment for tuberculosis infection that is not active, while the active form of the disease usually is treated with Isoniazid along with Rifampin, Rethambutol and Pyrazinamide.

Liver Issues

• The primary concern with tuberculosis treatment is drug-induced hepatitis because the medications can be toxic to the liver. Signs are jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, fatigue, fever, dark urine, rash and itching.

Flu-Like Symptoms

• Rifampin use is associated with severe flu-like symptoms, including fever and chills, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.

Additional Side Effects

• Other possible side effects of tuberculosis treatment include diarrhea, gas, heartburn, upset stomach, acne, coughing, dizziness, drowsiness, increased perspiration and insomnia.

Fluid Discoloration

• Tuberculosis treatment can result in red-orange perspiration, saliva, tears and urine. These side effects disappear when the medication is discontinued. It also can discolor soft contact lenses.