For most people with drug-sensitive TB, about 6 months marks the end of treatment. Your doctor checks you, a test is done at the end of the continuation phase, and your outcome is recorded on Ni-kshay.
हिंदी में सार
सामान्य टीबी का इलाज लगभग 6 महीने में पूरा होता है। अंत में बलगम की जाँच होती है और नतीजा नि-क्षय पर दर्ज होता है। इलाज के बाद 6, 12, 18 और 24 महीने पर फ़ॉलो-अप जाँच होती है। बीच में खाँसी लौटे तो तुरंत जाँच करवाएँ।
Never stop or change TB medicines on your own
Do not stop, skip or change your TB medicines without talking to your doctor or DOTS provider, even if you feel better. Stopping early can bring TB back and can make it drug-resistant.
Contact your health facility at once if you have:
- yellow eyes or yellow skin, or dark urine with pale stools
- any change in your eyesight, such as blurring or trouble seeing colours
- severe or repeated vomiting, or you cannot keep food down
- a skin rash, itching with swelling, or blisters
Finishing treatment
End-of-treatment test
For drug-sensitive TB, a sputum test is done at the end of the continuation phase.
Outcome recorded
Your outcome, such as cured or treatment completed, is recorded on Ni-kshay.
Your doctor confirms you can stop
Only your doctor ends treatment. Some people need longer.
Follow-up after treatment
The NTEP knowledge base says patients should be followed up at the end of 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after completing treatment. If any cough or other symptoms appear in between, get checked sooner; sputum tests may be done.
| Follow-up | When |
|---|---|
| First | 6 months after treatment ends |
| Second | 12 months after |
| Third | 18 months after |
| Fourth | 24 months after |
Life after TB
- Keep eating well and stay active as you recover.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Some people have lasting cough or breathlessness. Tell your doctor; they may check your lungs.
- Read about work, marriage and life after TB.
TB treatment journey trackerPut in your start date to see your phases, test dates and follow-ups, with a printable dose diary.
Track my treatmentMore treatment guides
Frequently asked questions
Can TB come back after treatment?
It can, which is why follow-up matters. Finishing the full course lowers the risk. See is TB curable.
I still cough after treatment. Is TB back?
Not necessarily. Lungs can take time to heal. Tell your doctor; they may test you.
Does Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana continue after treatment?
It is paid for months of treatment, so it ends with treatment. Ask your TB Unit about any pending instalments.
Medical review note. Written from official TB programme guidelines; last checked 16 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, see a doctor at your nearest government health facility.