Which of the following statements regarding drugs for tuberculosis (TB) is NOT true?

The statement that medications for tuberculosis (TB), whether prophylactic or therapeutic, are given for about a month and then discontinued is not true. In fact, standard treatment regimens for active TB last around six months or longer. This extended duration is essential to ensure the complete elimination of the bacteria and to reduce the risk of developing drug resistance.

For therapeutic (treatment) purposes, patients typically take a combination of first-line antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, for an extended period, normally six months or more. For prophylactic treatment, despite the shorter duration compared to active TB treatment, it generally lasts several months depending on the individual case and the specific guidelines in place.

This emphasizes the importance of adherence to treatment regimens over the longer course to ensure effectiveness in eradicating the infection and preventing resistance. Thus, the notion that TB medications can be taken for about a month and then discontinued misrepresents the appropriate duration required for effective treatment and prevention of TB.