For how long must tuberculosis treatment be taken ?

Answer 1

It depends.One should not quit unless it is cured completely.

Answer 2

Active tuberculosis will kill about two of every three people affected if left untreated. Treated tuberculosis has a mortality rate of less than 5% (or less in developed countries where intensive supportive measures are available).

The standard "short" course treatment for tuberculosis (TB), if it is active, is isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for two months, then isoniazid and rifampicin alone for a further four months. The patient is considered cured at six months. For latent tuberculosis, the standard treatment is six to nine months of isoniazid alone.

Medical Treatment for tuberculosis should be administered by a medical practitioner experienced and trained in the treatment of tuberculosis. The standard "short" course treatment for tuberculosis where the sensitivities of the organism are not known, is isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for two months, then isoniazid and rifampicin alone for a further four months. The patient is considered cured at six months (although there is still a relapse rate of 2 to 3%).

If the organism is known to be fully sensitive, then treatment is with isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide for two months, followed by isoniazid and rifampicin for four months. Ethambutol need not be used.

TB can be cured with little or no complications
Medication must, however, be started as soon as possible and it must be taken regularly according to the instructions given at the clinic. It takes 6 months for TB to be cured completely, but within 2 weeks of starting treatment, the person will no longer spread the disease. Intensive phase medication is given for the first 2 months, 4 or 5 tablets (depending on body weight) are taken Monday to Friday. Continuation phase medication is given for the next 4 months, 2 or 3 tablets (depending on body weight) are taken Monday to Friday
It is a mistake to stop taking medicines when a person feels better. All treatment / medicine must be taken for the full 6 months. If treatment / medicine is missed, the risk of a drug resistant strain of TB is possible. This TB is very difficult to treat and needs more than 18 months of treatment / medicine, with a long stay in hospital.

It takes a long time for TB germs to be destroyed. If medicines are stopped too soon and without instructions of the nurse or doctor the disease may start all over again.

Answer 3

Tuberculosis treatment requires at least 6 months of treatment.

Answer 4

After the medication, you baby will be free of Primary Complex. To keep you're baby healthy, feed very healthy foods and get all vaccinations needed. Ask your doctor to prescribe some vitamin D for your baby. It must be prescribed by your doctor because too much might be harmful. Find out from your doctor how much is right for your baby. I just read an news article about how vitamin D helps your immune system and specifically helps in prevention of TB. But remember, only the right amounts.

Answer 5

It depends on :
site of infection - sometimes bone TB may have to be treated for longer periods.
fresh patient or already treated once
response to treatment - if poor response then treatment may have to be prolonged.

but for most it is 6 months

Answer 6

"Tuberculosis--Return of a Killer" ...
Triumph and Tragedy
- At Last, a Cure!
- A Deadly Comeback
- Why the Deadly Comeback?
- HIV and TB--Double Trouble
- Multidrug-Resistant TB
- Prevention and Cure http://www.watchtower.org/e/19971222/article_02.htm

Answer 7

6-12 months

Answer 8

it depends on the stage
DOTS tablets are taken for 6 months on early diagnosis

Answer 9

At least for six months regularly with tablets - sometimes longer

Answer 10

6 months to 1 year without fail to completely kill the microbes that cause the disease.

Answer 11

a new case has to be treated for 6 months.

if it is retreatment case then it has to be treated for 8 months.