An official website of the United States government
Treatment for Latent TB Infection and TB Disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a public statement related to nitrosamines impurities in rifampin and rifapentine, two important anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications. People with TB disease or latent TB infection taking rifampin or rifapentine should continue taking their current medication, and should talk with their healthcare provider about any concerns. TB is a serious disease, and can be fatal if not treated properly. It is important to remember that all medications have risks and benefits.
Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection and TB disease. Both latent TB infection and TB disease can be treated.
Without treatment latent TB infection can progress to TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
Directly observed therapy (DOT) helps people with TB complete treatment. CDC recommends video DOT (vDOT) as an equivalent alternative to in-person DOT for people on treatment for TB.
Treatment in Specific Populations
Treatment for latent TB infection and TB disease for the following populations have additional considerations.