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Isoniazid

Warning

Isoniazid has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. The risk of liver disease is increased in people who are 35 years and older, who use alcohol or illegal injection drugs, or who currently have long-term liver problems. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain, unusual weakness/tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

Your doctor should order liver function tests while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before taking isoniazid, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: previous severe reaction from isoniazid (such as liver disease), liver disease, alcohol use, HIV infection, kidney disease, diabetes, numbness/tingling of arms/legs (peripheral neuropathy), recent childbirth.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Alcohol may increase the risk of liver disease. Avoid alcoholic beverages while using this medication.

This product may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as BCG vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional that you are using this medication before having any immunizations/vaccinations.

Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid sugar. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This product passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea/vomiting or stomach upset may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling of arms/legs, painful/swollen joints, increased thirst/urination, vision changes, easy bruising/bleeding, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, psychosis), seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.