what's the best medicine for TB?

Question

Is TB a serious disease?I

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Yes, TB is a serious disease. It is very treatable with prescription medication.