Testing a preventive medication for lupus patients at risk of tuberculosis

This trial is testing whether isoniazid, a medication already used to prevent tuberculosis in some patients, is safe and effective for people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). People with lupus have weakened immune systems and are at much higher risk of developing tuberculosis than the general population. The researchers want to see if giving this medication to lupus patients—before they get sick with tuberculosis—can prevent the infection from happening.

People with lupus are 10 to 20 times more likely to develop tuberculosis than others, especially in Asia and the Pacific region where tuberculosis is common. Tuberculosis is a serious infection that can be deadly in lupus patients, but it may be preventable if people take medication before they get sick.