Q: I have lymph node TB in my pelvic region and I am undergoing treatment. For how long will the treatment continue; is it for 6 months or 9 months and should I continue this for so long? I am taking Akurit, will there be any side effect? Is Ethambutol a powerful drug and is it true that taking Ethambutol will cause blurred vision? I am taking 600 mg (2 tablets) of this, is it fine? I am 22 years old and weigh 65 kg. What follow up is required in my case?

A:It is not possible to pre-determine the duration of treatment for TB but it ranges from a minimum of 6 months but can go up to 9 months depending upon the response. In your case, you require four medicines for at least 2 months i.e. rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. A kit containing all these medicines is available under the trade name of CX-5 by Cadila. You can use these medicines for the first two months under medical supervision. The dose of ethambutol is 800 mg for your weight. DO NOT take lower dose because you may develop resistance which can be very dangerous. All medicines have one or the other side effect. The issue is that TB is far more dangerous than side effect of a medicine. As an abundant precaution, you can get your eyes examined every month.