I have just had a positive PPD

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I have just had a positive PPD, my chest xray showed no infiltrate or effusions. A respiratory doc at my work suggested I take the INH. My PCP seems hesitant about it--but will give prescription if my work demands that I take it. So, I'm confused as to take it or not...I obviously don't want TB down the line, but I also don't want to ruin a perfectly functioning liver. I'm so confused.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I also had a positive PPD and decided to take the INH. Before they gave me the INH they did a LFT to make sure my liver was ok for me to take the drug. I decided to take the drug so that I don't get TB in the future. I personally think you should take it cause when you have TB, it is BAD!!!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I also had a positive PPD 7 years ago. Chose not to take the INH and have had no problems thus far.

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

I took the INH and Pyridoxine tx for a year and that was over 25 years ago. Back then they didnt bother checking for liver function etc. I was in rural Kentucky at the time which TB was always a possibilty and risk. Fortunately I have never had any issue nor suffered any side effects from treatment. Just be sure they are giving you Pyridoxine (B-6) to help alleviate potential side effects in conjunction with the INH therapy. My chest xrays have always been clear also. I think it's more of a preventive measure.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Can the hospital make us complete INH therapy? Especially when the chest x-ray comes back negative? I have accepted a new grad internship and am worried about the pre-employment TB skin test. I have been exposed on numerous occasions to TB patients this semester in clinical. Can they rescind the job offer if I come back positive? I know I worry too much about things, but I've landed my dream job and don't want to lose it.

To the OP, I am really sorry that you are going through this. I have a friend at work that is on INH. She is also taking vitamin B and is doing great, no side effects.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Positive 3 years ago for me, and I choose to not take the INH. I trust my PCP, and he didn't feel it was a good idea.

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If the x-ray is negative and sputum samples are negative, you should be able to work. Have you spoken with your local Health Department and a Pulmonologist?

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Whomever prescribes the INH, will monitor your liver enzymes closely to assure that you are not damaging your liver. Your local Health Dept has an excellent DVD or VHS called TB Strikes Again. Research as much as you can and make your deceision. If it were me, I would proably go ahead and take the treatment. I know many many people who are converters that have not developed active TB but get x-rays periodically.

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The only time there's a concern with a positive PPD is when its accompanied witha questionable chest x-ray. A positive PPD means exposure to the bacteria(whether thru' immunization or exposure from infected individuals), it does NOT in no way, shape or form mean TB disease. Active tuberculosis is diagnosed after a series of AFB smears, sputum culture and a chest x-ray. You do not have to opt for treatment with just a positive PPD. Many people test react positive to the intradermal testing but NEVER develop active tuberculosis disease. It is totally up to you. If I were in the same shoes, I wouldn't go for treatment for non-active TB . Taking INH and the 1st line of TB drugs will eradicate the current infection, but WILL NOT prevent future exposure and infection.

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Specializes in CTICU.

I agree with the poster above me. There is no way I would take the meds if I had a clear CXR.

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My PPD turned positive 28 years ago and my chest x-ray was negative. At that time the recommendation was to take the INH for a year if you were under 35. I took it for 10 months, now the recommendation is for 6 months. Never had any problems from the INH, never took any special vitamins. An employer will not look badly at the fact that you are positive, as so many of us are, especially if you have taken (or are taking) the INH. They just ask you to take an X-ray at the time you are hired, then just ask you to fill out a paper once a year saying that you have no symptoms of TB.

I would suggest you talk to the people at your local Health Department about whether to take the INH or not. Good luck!

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

You really need to sit down with your care provider and talk through all of the options available and pros and cons of each. It's not something that we can or should advise on within this site, you've had quite a few responses in this thread and because we are not able to offer any medical advise here I am going to close this thread

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