​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is tuberculosis (TB) infection?

​​​TB infection (also known as latent TB infection or ‘sleeping’ TB) is when there are TB germs in your body, but they are not making you sick. Your body's immune system is stopping the germs causing any damage. There are no symptoms with TB infection and the germs cannot be passed to other people. TB disease​​ is when TB germs wake up or increase in number and make you sick. TB disease can be passed to other people.

What is rifampicin?

Rifampicin is a special medicine used for TB prevention, called TB preventive therapy (TPT). This medicine can lower the risk of TB disease by 90%. Rifampicin TPT needs to be taken every day for 4 months - it should be taken at the same time every day. It is important you do not miss any doses. NSW Health provides rifampicin TPT free of charge even if you don't have a Medicare card.

Why should I take rifampicin TPT when I don’t feel sick?

​​​TPT is the best way to prevent TB disease. Rifampicin TPT kills the TB germs before they make you sick and prevents you passing on TB to your family and friends.

Will rifampicin TPT make me sick?

Side effects to rifampicin are not common. You may be asked to have a blood test to check everything is ok before or during treatment. Tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  
• are using contraception
• drinking​ alcohol often or have liver problems
  
• have other health issues or illnesses
  
• take any other medication (including herbal or over-the-counter medicines).
  

Further information

​​​For more information visit Tuberculosis (TB) fact sheets​.

For free help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50. ​