Tuberculosis FACT SHEETS

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Taking TB drugs for active TB disease

Why do I have to take TB drugs for so long?

Treatment of active tuberculosis (TB) disease takes at least 6 months. The antibiotics used to kill the TB germs (bacteria) only work when the TB germs grow and TB germs grow very slowly.

What if I don’t take all my TB drugs?

You will probably start to feel better after only a few weeks of taking TB drugs. However, it is important to keep taking the drugs because the TB germs are still alive in your body. If you stop taking your drugs, or don’t take your drugs regularly, drug-resistant TB may develop. You will get sick all over again, but this time you will need to take drugs longer to be cured and there will be more side effects. You may also get active infectious TB disease again and spread the disease to your family, friends and coworkers.

Can DOT help me?

DOT stands for Directly Observed Treatment. It is a program designed to help you take your drugs regularly. If you are on a DOT program, you will meet with a health-care provider every day or several times a week. DOT helps in several ways. Your health-care provider will remind you to take all of your drugs to complete your treatment. If you complete your treatment, you will be cured of TB disease. Your health-care provider can also see if the drugs are working as they should, watch for side effects and answer questions you may have about TB.

Can I drink alcohol while taking TB drugs?

It is always best not to drink alcohol while taking TB drugs.

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