Evidence shows that short-course TB preventive therapies are as effective as the current treatment of choice in preventing progression to active disease. People taking shorter drug regimens are up to three times more likely to complete their course of latent TB infection therapy than those on longer regimens—leading to better outcomes and more lives saved.
Shorter TB regimens that combine two TB drugs – isoniazid and rifapentine – are now available. Evidence shows that they are as effective as the current treatment of choice in preventing progression to active disease. These shorter TB regimens have fewer side effects and are easier for patients to take. While they may cost more in the short-term, because we need fewer doses and more people complete their treatment, these shorter regimens are more cost-effective in the long-term. People taking shorter drug regimens are much more likely – up to three times – to complete their course of latent TB therapy than those on longer regimens – leading to better outcomes and more lives saved.
3HP is a short-course TB preventive therapy regimen that combines two TB drugs—isoniazid and rifapentine—weekly for three months. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released consolidated guidelines for the treatment of latent TB infection that recommends the use of 3HP for people living with HIV and contacts of TB cases of any age.
1HPis a short-course TB preventive therapy regimen that combines two TB drugs—isoniazid and rifapentine— once a day for 28 days. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of 1HP for people living with HIV and adult contacts (>15 years) of TB cases.
