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Frequently Asked Questions - Multi-Drug Resistant TB

How long does it take for the Tuberculosis germ to die? It can take at least 6 months for the medicine to kill all the Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.

I feel fine, do I have to continue to take my medicine? Yes,if you don't you will remain sick for a longer time, and you could become resistant to the drugs you are taking.

Why is it important to be properly treated for Tuberculosis (TB)? Because poor treatment leads to Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis (TB), which can be fatal, and require up to two years of expensive treatment often with toxic drugs.

What is MDR Tuberculosis (TB)? MDR stands for Multi Drug Resistant. When patients do not take their medicine as prescribed, the bacteria can become resistant to the medication and stop fighting the infection.

Can bacteria become resistant to more than one drug? Yes, this is called Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis (TB).

Does this mean that I cannot be treated with drugs? No, you can be treated, but people with Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis (TB) must be treated with special drugs that are not as effective and can have more side effects.

Can I get MDR Tuberculosis (TB) without knowing it? Yes, people who have spent time with someone who is sick with Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis (TB) can become infected with bacteria that are resistant to several drugs.