Question

Do I have to take TB meds if I haven’t been diagnosed with TB?

28 December 2025. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections.

Hi. I’m wondering if you can provide me with abit of clarity. I’ve been on TLD since I was diagnosed in 2023 and have never took a supplement alongside my treatment. Recently, I’ve opted to take my treatment via our local government clinics and they did indeed provide me with the treatment,however they also gave me pyridoxine as well as Isoniazid.

Now from my understanding of Isoniazid is that it is TB treatment.

Would it then be compulsory for me to take it despite the fact that I’ve never been diagnosed with tuberculosis?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks for your email.

It sounds like the TB meds have been added to protect you against TB. Even if you don’t currently have active TB, these meds will stop this becoming a new problem.

This works in case you were either exposed to TB as a child or if the risk of TB is high where you now live.

Please ask the pharmacist to explain this.

The izoniazid is a TB med that is only usually needed for 6-9 months. The pyridoxine is to make the izoniazid easier to take by reducing the risk of side effects.

The pharmacist can explain this too.

As with all meds, it is your decision about whether or not to take the treatment. There is lots of evidence from research that this is a very good treatment to also take though.

Just like your HIV meds, the TB meds are very safe and effective.

The protection against TB is very good.