TB tips: taking your medication
* Taking large quantities of pills may seem physically impossible to some. My advice is to set aside some time to take them. Bolting them down may result in you feeling nauseated, and you may even vomit. If you do have a problem with nausea, tell your TB specialist it may be possible to help you with this. Obviously, if you are vomiting you won't absorb any drug, and the TB may come back.
* Some people find it difficult to remember to take their medication. Try putting your medicine in a prominent place for example by your tea or coffee in the morning. You might also like to try using an alarm: a bleeping watch or a computer may help you remember. Encourage a friend or family member to help to remind you to take your medication.
* The most important thing with any drug therapy is forward planning. Always carry an extra dose of medication with you. Know when your prescription is due to run out and how to get more tablets. If you are going to travel, never keep all of your drugs in a suitcase in a baggage hold: always have some 'extra doses' on your person.
* I would constantly affirm to myself that the pills were doing me good, and that if I kept taking them regularly, one day I wouldn't need to anymore. Believe me when that day comes, you will be glad of your self-discipline.
* It may feel like your body really isn't going to cope with the pills you are taking. I found taking them with a yoghurt and a class of water helped them to go down. It also seemed to make the pills a little more gentle on the stomach.
* If you are a regular (or heavy) alcohol drinker, speak to your doctor about it. It is unlikely to be compatible with the medication you are taking. You may be able to get extra help.
* You may find you develop thrush in your mouth and / or throat. It is a common affliction for people who are immuno-compromised, or who are taking large amounts of antibiotics for a long period of time.
* You may have thought about trying homeopathic or other alternative therapies on their own. Forget it! Although these therapies are a useful addition to routine medication, they will not cure you of TB.
* N.B. Children with TB pose special problems. Try not to get upset: taking TB medication becomes very routine, and it could be made worse if you and your child end up fighting over it everyday. I would suggest resorting to plain old bribery: try using sweets after they've had their pills, but don't mix the two. You might promise them a big surprise at the end of their treatment. Discuss any problems, such as point blank refusal, with your doctor. Some TB drugs come in syrup form.
* Keep all medication out of the reach of children.
