Tuberculosis and HIV disease

November 2004     View PDF     En español

Side effects

The list of drug side effects for anti-TB drugs shown in the boxes above is not complete. It’s important to discuss all possible side effects with your doctor as well as discuss any other drugs you take. For example, people with HIV may be more likely to get peripheral neuropathy when using isoniazid (Nydrazid). You may also have more skin problems from these drugs.

Unusual reactions to treatment

Some people find that their TB gets worse when they start treatment. This more often happens when people are starting anti-HIV therapies for the first time. As HIV levels drop and the immune system starts to work better due to anti-HIV treatment, the immune system begins to respond to the TB and this can cause physical symptoms like fever, swelling of lymph nodes and even worsening of chest x-rays. This effect often doesn’t last very long and switching anti-TB or anti-HIV drugs is probably not necessary. In some instances, however, the symptoms may get severe and might even require hospitalization. A short course of steroids may help control the symptoms.