Tuberculin (Intradermal)

Tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) is used in a skin test to help diagnose tuberculosis (TB) infection in people who are at higher risk of developing active disease.

The tuberculin skin test is performed by injecting tuberculin PPD into the top layer of the skin. If the test is positive, a reaction will appear at and around the injection or puncture site. If the test is given with an injection, this reaction is usually a firm, raised area with clear edges. If the test is done with puncture devices, the reaction is typically a swollen area at the puncture site. The size of the reaction is measured and recorded, and the test results are evaluated after 48 to 72 hours.

This medicine should be given only by or under the supervision of a doctor.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Fainting may happen after receiving this test. It may occur along with other symptoms like lightheadedness, muscle weakness, or seizures.

Some patients may experience false positive or negative reactions to the tuberculin skin test. This may happen if you have received a vaccine for tuberculosis (e.g., BCG) or if you have been exposed to other mycobacteria.

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

The tuberculin skin test should not be given within 1 month to patients who have received live vaccines. These vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, yellow fever, and varicella.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, you and your doctor need to consider any risks of the test against the benefits it may provide. Other factors may also affect test results. For this test, please keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as those to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies done so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of tuberculin injection.

Geriatric

While studies on how age affects the effects of tuberculin injection in older adults have not been conducted, no specific problems for older adults have been reported so far.

Breast Feeding

Research suggests that this medication poses minimal risk to infants when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other situations, it may be safe to use two different medicines together even if an interaction could happen. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around meal times or with specific types of food because interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Extensive skin burns or eczema (skin disease) or
• Tuberculosis, active or history of—Should not be given to patients with these conditions.

• HIV infection or AIDS or
• History of organ transplant or
• Weak immune system—May increase your risk of developing active tuberculosis.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• Bleeding at the injection site (occurring up to 3 days after the skin test)
• Blistering, crusting, or scabbing at the injection site
• Cough
• Deep, dark purple bruise at the injection site (occurring up to 3 days after the skin test)
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fast heartbeat
• Fever
• Hard lump at the injection site
• Hives
• Itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Noisy breathing
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Scar at the injection site
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may be able to tell you how to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Pain, discomfort, or itching at the injection site
• Redness or rash at the injection site (occurring within 12 hours after skin test)

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Aplisol
• Tubersol

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Tuberculin

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic. This medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm.

Your skin may become red and swollen in the area where the medicine was given.

You must return to your doctor's office 2 or 3 days after receiving tuberculin. This is to check at the way your skin has reacted to the medicine.