Tuberculin (too-BER-kue-lin)

Used to test for tuberculosis (TB) infection.

Brand Name(s):

Aplisol, Tubersol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• For the intradermal injection, medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin.
• For the multiple-puncture device (Tine test), a device with several prongs is pressed against the skin on your forearm. It will slightly scratch your skin.
• You must return to your doctor in 2 or 3 days so that he/she can look at the way your skin has reacted to the medicine. It is very important that you come back for this exam.
• Your doctor may ask you to come back for a second test in order to make sure that you do not have TB.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you use a medicine that weakens your immune system, such as a steroid or cancer treatment.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, a weak immune system, other medical problems, or if you have had an organ transplant. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any vaccination, including vaccines for the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, yellow fever, and varicella.
• Some patients may have a false-positive or false-negative reaction to a tuberculin skin test. This may occur if you have received a vaccine against tuberculosis (such as BCG) or if you have been exposed to other mycobacteria.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bleeding or a dark bruise at the injection site (can occur up to 3 days after the skin test)
• Fainting, lightheadedness, seizure
• Fever
• Hard lump at the injection site

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088