I had limited exposure at my workplace to a person with active, untreated TB. She eventually died from it. There has been no contact with this person since September, 2003. I had the PPD test in October, 2003 and tested negative. I was contacted by the local health dept and re-tested recently. The PPD test was positive, however, I have no symptons. I have a chest xray scheduled. The health dept has advised me that I need to take the medication, regardless of the chest xray results. I have heard conflicting information about whether the risks of the medication outweigh the benefits, if the chest xray is negative. I am 39 years old and healthy. I did have about 1/2 of my left kidney removed in 1986 due to a blockage in the urethra that caused atrophy in the kidney.
Please advise on the risks/benefits of the medication in the event of a negative chest xray.