Hi My doctor has prescribed Ethambutol Hydrochloride 800mg and Isoniazid 300 mg daily to my 77 year old mother in law without having any test done for TB. She has already taken this medicine for eight days.  I have been told that TB medicines can not be stopped once started. Also as parallel a TB test has been ordered and report will be received in about five days from now. I am confused whether it is advisable to continue this medicine for another five days or to stop this medicine and tell the doctor that it has been stopped.
Hi Sir/Madam. Welcome to Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. TB medications should not be stopped abruptly. This can lead to flare up of the disease activity. The Chat Doctor. Continue medications until tests results arrive. Once the results are positive to decide the further duration of the treatment after consulting your pulmonologist. If active TB is detected then 6-9 months has to be instituted without fail. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.