Question
Is it OK to take TB meds as well as ARVs?
26 September 2017. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
I’ve been taking my ARVs together with my TB resistance tablet, will this affect it working on my body?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
Its very common that someone who is positive and on ARVs will also be using TB drugs. They’ll both work as they should do. The ARVs on the HIV, and the TB drugs will help prevent you contracting TB.
Hi Mbali,
Isoniazid is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent TB. It isn’t used to treat HIV.
HIV treatment uses drugs that are antiretrovirals, not antibiotics.
Hi Im Mbali
I just found out that my partner has been taking Isoniazid, and its been a while I don’t know what seems to be the problem as I went to go get tested and I was HIV negative. When confronted him he acted like he knows nothing about it and its an old thing but the dates on the PUP card are recent dates.
Hi Unathi,
If you live in a TB prone zone, then yes you may need to take the TB meds. However, this is something that will need to be discussed with your doctor.
I am HIV positive and its 1 month nd 2 weeks am taking ARVs but they also gave me WINTHROP ISONIAZID 300gm although they didn’t test me the TB so am confused should I also take this medication??
Hi Kene,
What exactly is it that you’re taking? How long have you been on medication for?
CD4 count 107 with tb
Can i do without pyridoxine/Winthrop isonazid/Rimactane latest prescribed others gave me rash & terribly itching.
Hi Vuyokazi,
Your CD4 count is high and your HIV is under control. If you’re having other health issues you’ll need to discuss this with a doctor.
I’m HIV positive my CD count is above 800 viral load undetectable but I’m always getting sick ifactected tb,cancer Wyatt must I do to protect me in sickness.
Hi King,
Is your girlfriend taking HIV meds? Isoniazid is taken by HIV positive people to treat or prevent TB. I hope she’s doing well.
If your girlfriend’s viral load is undetectable on HIV treatment (ART) the risk to you of HIV is zero, even if you don’t use condoms. Unfotunately we are not doctors at i-Base but you can talk to your doctor about TB if you think you have been affected.
Pls my girlfriend is positive for six months now and she is taking Winthrop isoniazid am i going to be affected?