What is Aplisol? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Aplisol overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Aplisol, Tubersol

Generic Names:

  • Aplisol

Uses:

  • Used to test for tuberculosis (TB) infection.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Diagnostic Agent, Tuberculin

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Aplisol used for?

What form(s) does Aplisol come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Aplisol dosages?

  • Vial 1ML of 5UNIT/0.1ML

  • Vial 5ML of 5UNIT/0.1ML

Aplisol images - What does Aplisol look like?

  • Aplisol
    1ml of 5unit/0.1ml vial

  • Aplisol
    5ml of 5unit/0.1ml vial

How to take Aplisol

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • For the intradermal injection, medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin.

  • For the multiple-puncture device (Tine test), a device with several prongs is pressed against the skin on your forearm. It will slightly scratch your skin.

  • You must return to your doctor in 2 or 3 days so that he/she can look at the way your skin has reacted to the medicine. It is very important that you come back for this exam.

  • Your doctor may ask you to come back for a second test in order to make sure that you do not have TB.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • You must return to your doctor in 2 or 3 days so that he/she can look at the way your skin has reacted to the medicine. It is very important that you come back for this exam.

  • For the multiple-puncture device (Tine test), a device with several prongs is pressed against the skin on your forearm. It will slightly scratch your skin.

  • Your doctor may ask you to come back for a second test in order to make sure that you do not have TB.

  • For the intradermal injection, medicine is injected into the skin on your forearm. A small bump should appear on your skin.

What to do if you miss a dose of Aplisol

Aplisol contraindications - Who shouldn't take Aplisol?

  • You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous tuberculin skin test. You should not receive this medicine if you have extensive skin burns or eczema or if you have active tuberculosis or history of treatment for tuberculosis.

Aplisol warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you have HIV or AIDS, a weak immune system, other medical problems, or if you have had an organ transplant. Tell your doctor if you have recently received any vaccination, including vaccines for the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, yellow fever, and varicella.

  • Some patients may have a false-positive or false-negative reaction to a tuberculin skin test. This may occur if you have received a vaccine against tuberculosis (such as BCG) or if you have been exposed to other mycobacteria.

  • Fainting, lightheadedness, seizure

  • Fever

  • Hard lump at the injection site

Aplisol interactions & what to avoid when taking Aplisol

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

  • Some patients may have a false-positive or false-negative reaction to a tuberculin skin test. This may occur if you have received a vaccine against tuberculosis (such as BCG) or if you have been exposed to other mycobacteria.

Aplisol side effects - How does Aplisol make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever

  • Fainting, lightheadedness, seizure

  • Bleeding or a dark bruise at the injection site (can occur up to 3 days after the skin test)

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Hard lump at the injection site

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Pain, swelling, or itching at the injection site

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