Isoniazid and Liver Damage: What Users Say

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 2, 2020

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was terrified about taking isoniazid due to all of the problems these other people were having while on this medication. I need to take this medication for latent tuberculosis since I’m starting a medical program and need to have the TB cleared from my body before I can start clinicals for school. I’ve been taking this medication for two whole months now. 300 mg of isoniazid daily with a 25 mg tablet of vitamin B6. I have had no symptoms whatsoever. I’ve never had an issue with antibiotics ever though. I feel normal. Not experiencing symptoms of liver failure either, but I’m going to get my liver enzyme levels checked just in case. I’m just posting this to show people who are afraid that you may be fine like I am. I have 4 more months of this medication."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2011

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I'm currently on this medication plus vitamin B6 for a positive TB skin test. I've been taking it for about 4 months now. I'm scared to death. I wonder if I will be able to go through these 9 months without serious side effects like liver damage. Haven't experienced any side effects so far. I seem okay. 5 months to go. Hopefully, nothing serious happens. I'm so moody lately. My coworkers say I now have an attitude."

• NIE...
• October 22, 2019

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I was on this medication for 5 weeks of hell. At my first monthly check (5 weeks), my liver functions were over a thousand. Rushed to the ER where I was admitted for possible liver failure. Hospital stay, tests, 3 sets of Drs. $$$. I got lucky, no permanent damage. What I never was told was that this medication is an MAO. By taking me off the medication, I went into sudden withdrawal symptoms, very difficult. On day 4, I had up to 2 weeks to experience it all. The reason I went on this was to start biologics, I am no longer allowed to start any type of biological or DMARD. There's not a lot of information out there, sadly, and the doctors don't give us enough information on what we're doing to our own bodies. This has been a nightmare, one I will never repeat. Please do yourself a favor and be your own advocate. Thumbs down for me."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2022

For Tuberculosis, Latent "My infectious disease doctor presented me with the INH approach, and I was happy to drop one of the drugs from the 3HR protocol my family doctor proposed. Still nervous, I started reading about tyrosine and dietary restrictions, and then I read these reviews. Thank you to everyone who stated their honest opinion and concerns with this drug. I have decided to take a chance and forego taking it. The problems that concern me the most are the emotional struggles and liver enzymes. God bless you all."

• Nur...
• April 10, 2015

For Tuberculosis, Latent "I've been on the isoniazid for almost one month, and I'm not sure I will be able to continue. I'm experiencing bad headaches nearly every day. Before going on the drug, I took Tylenol every 6 hours for arthritis pain. Now I have had to stop the Tylenol. I have Crohn's disease, so I can't take any NSAIDs. That leaves me no options for my headaches. Not sure I can deal with this for 9 months. After one week, my liver enzymes have already increased by 7. Pretty stressed out about this whole thing. I tested positive for latent TB when waiting to start Humira for my rheumatoid arthritis. Now I can't take anything for my pain until I'm treated for the TB for 9 months. Life sucks."