Latent TB Infection: Patient Education

Latent TB Infection: Guide for Diagnosis and Treatment

Patient Education

• Explain the disease process and rationale for medication in the absence of symptoms or radiographic abnormalities.
• Review the importance of completing treatment for LTBI.
• Discuss possible side effects of LTBI medications that may include:
  • Fever
  • Unexplained anorexia
  • Dark urine (color of coffee or cola)
  • Icterus
  • Rash
  • Persistent paresthesia of hands and feet
  • Persistent fatigue or weakness lasting 3 or more days
  • Abdominal tenderness, especially in right upper quadrant
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Arthralgia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
• Discuss management of common side effects and the need to report to health care provider.
• Patients should be instructed, at the start of treatment and at each monthly visit, to stop taking treatment and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms of hepatitis develop and not wait until the next clinic visit to stop treatment.