For drug-sensitive TB, about 2 months (8 weeks) marks the end of the intensive phase. This is a checkpoint: you usually give a sputum sample, and if all is well you continue with fewer medicines.
हिंदी में सार
सामान्य टीबी में लगभग 2 महीने पर गहन चरण पूरा होता है। तब बलगम की जाँच होती है और ठीक रहने पर कम दवाइयों के साथ निरंतर चरण शुरू होता है। इस समय अच्छा महसूस होना आम है, लेकिन दवा बंद न करें।
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
What usually happens at 2 months
Follow-up sputum test
The programme tests sputum at the end of the intensive phase to check progress.
Doctor review
Your doctor checks how you feel, your weight and any side effects.
Continuation phase begins
Pyrazinamide is stopped and the other three medicines continue daily, about 16 more weeks.
Keep going
Many people feel much better by now. That is exactly when it matters most not to stop.
Am I still contagious after 2 months?
A UK public health leaflet says most people with infectious TB become non-infectious generally after about two weeks of proper treatment. Your doctor decides when you are no longer infectious, based on your tests. Keep up good habits at home until then. See is TB contagious.
How to know TB treatment is working
- Cough and fever ease
- Appetite returns and weight goes up
- Follow-up tests improve, as your doctor tells you
If you feel worse, still have fever, or lose weight, tell your doctor. Do not stop or change medicines yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
What if my 2-month sputum test is still positive?
Your doctor will decide what to do, which may include more tests. The NTEP knowledge base notes there is no routine extension of the intensive phase for slow responders; follow your doctor.
Can I go back to work after 2 months?
Many people can, once their doctor says they are no longer infectious and they feel well enough.
Do I get Poshan Yojana after 2 months?
Yes. Support continues for each month of treatment.
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.