Tested positive for TB..

[Klynn2393]

So, I recently got hired at a medical clinic and before I start working I needed to take a TB test which was the blood test form of this test, so no false positives is possible. I got a call today that my test came out positive. My first positive test out of 3 TB test I've taken. I did some X-Rays of my chest today so in the next 2 days I will get results. The problem is my next Humira injection is in the next 2 days as well. Should I not take it?

 

[DougUte]

I am so sorry to hear about this. :hug: Have you called your GI?

Unless your doctor says otherwise, I would not take your Humira. There is a reason we are tested for TB before we start the med.

I found a old thread on the forum that dealt with ths very issue issue. http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=18541

I hope this can help you. Please letus know how things go for you.We are here for support and advice if needed.

 

[jptpa]

Talk to your doc. You could get Pre treated with antibiotics.

 

[Dukeis]

I sure wouldn't take it before discussing it with your doctor. It is not going to hurt to skip a dose. I had H1N1 while on Humira a few years ago and skipped 2 doses and started it back without any problem.

 

[Dunbar]

You tested positive for TB which doesn't necessarily mean you have active TB. And If you do can take a course of azonizide and 75 mg B6 for 9-12 Months, I was on them for a year. There are other options as well for treatment. As for when you can start the Humira again, ? , definately a question for the Doc. And did anyone tell you that TB can settle just about anywhere? Not to worry, they will put you on a round of meds and you will be fine. You are lucky to get the blood test, here you don't rate for that unless they really aren't sure, too expensive. You will always test positive for TB now too, so you will have to continue with the blood tests to confirm. I also have an xray yearly 'just to be sure'. I'm going to glow in the dark soon.

 

[kiny]

Should I not take it?

hell no, 100% no if you have TB

that's why they do the mantoux test on people, you can not go on that kind of medication if you have TB

 

[Klynn2393]

Well last week I went see an infection control specialist at my GI. During my hour wait in the waiting room, I got a call that I was cleared to go into work meaning my X-ray results came out negative, so I don't have TB. I'm not on Humira as of now, as soon as they get the results from the hospital to investigate on why it came out positive, they will give me a different medicine to take (forgot the name) until they decide if I can take Humira again. I hope it's soon. My crohn's aren't happy.

 

[DougUte]

Glad to hear it isn't TB.

Our foster son, many years ago, got a false positive for TB.He was born in Guatemala and it is common there for people to be inoculated for it. That is why he had a false positive. Any chance you were inoculated?

 

[Miss Underestimated]

They may have used the test that actually tests for antibodies - people who work in medical professions will often get a false positive with it.

 

[xmdmom]

You might find this CDC page helpful http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/default.htm

A positive blood test and a negative chest xray points to "a latent infection" which does have the potential to become an active infection. "Individuals with immunosuppressive conditions or on treatment with immunosuppressive agents should be evaluated and treated for LTBI (Latent TB Infection) at the time that the condition is diagnosed or before starting treatment with immunosuppressive therapies, such as prolonged corticosteroids and TNF-alpha antagonists [infliximab (Remicade®), etanercept (Enbrel®), and adalimumab (Humira®)]."

oh and the BCG vaccine doesn't cause positive TB blood tests.

 

[Klynn2393]

Glad to hear it isn't TB.

Our foster son, many years ago, got a false positive for TB.He was born in Guatemala and it is common there for people to be inoculated for it. That is why he had a false positive. Any chance you were inoculated?

I don't think I was inoculated. Now I'm on entocort and I have to go take a T-spot test and If it comes out positive then I have to be treated with INH 300mg and Vitamin B6 for 9 months, if it comes out negative, then I don't have to worry about treatments. I'm just so stressed out with everything, hoping for negative result.

 

[jasonesque]

Klynn: I am in the exact same boat. Started the INH in late Sept., for 9 months. My latest blood work show the AST and ALT levels on the rise. Back on the Milk Thistle... Good luck!

 

[aumtb]

Almost no one in the US has had any inoculation to TB. Other high risk countries try that on children with limited success. It would only affect skin tests for tb.

If your test was a TB-gold then it is one of the better tests. I think there are about 4 types of tb that can be tested. If one keeps taking skin tests, they might end up positive at some point. The tb-gold blood test isn't fooled. It also means that you have been exposed to TB at some point. It is being contained in your body usually. Things to watch out for is night sweats, weight loss coughing and such. The problem with the drugs for crohn's is that they break down the bodies ability to keep tb in check. At some point in your life when weak or sick, the tb may come back.

I would contact a TB specialist. Try to discover who you got it from if possible. That would lead you to the most effective treatment for TB. Most people who have a positive to TB are given the most common drug for a short time. Problem is that most TB now is resistant to those drugs. A simple one or two drug regime is ineffective.

Your provider should take great care to decide if you really do have CD or TB or both. TB and CD are difficult to determine in the US in the intestines.

 

[Jay Woodman]

The CDC site was very helpful. I have tested positive with the skin test. Will be consulting with an Infectious Disease Specialist before starting Humira.