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Tuberculosis

Patient guide for preventing, managing side effects associated with anti-TB drugs

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<h3>Introduction</h3>
<p>Freedom from TB is possible with timely, regular, complete treatment, with reassurance and prevention and management of side effects of antitubercular drugs. It has been observed that many patients don't complete treatment due to misunderstanding about side effects. They develop resistance and suffer due to worsening of disease and require more costly and prolonged treatment. The following information provides information on preventing and managing  side effects associated with antitubercular drugs.</p>
<h3>Important information</h3>
<ul>
<li>Not everyone gets side effects. <img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb.png" width="150" class="image-inline" /></li>
<li>If you get side effects, inform and consult your doctor/nurse</li>
<li>Early action prevents side effects</li>
<li>Some symptoms may be experienced due to other causes and need investigation</li>
<li><strong>Don't stop your drugs or restart them on your own.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Don't share your drugs or advice treatment to others.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Don't smoke or drink alcohol as it can worsen side effects</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Main Adverse Reactions</h3>
<h4>Nausea/Vomiting</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb1.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to TB drugs causing stomach irritation </li>
<li>Take drugs embedded in banana</li>
<li>Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol</li>
<li>Eat nutritious food</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse</li>
</ul>
<h4>Loss of appetite  / Pain /discomfort in abdomen / Yellow skin, yellow eyes, dark colored urine</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb2.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to TB drugs</li>
<li>May indicate harm to liver</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor/nurse immediately</li>
</ul>
<p>Note: Orange coloration of urine is due to Rifampicin</p>
<h4>Tingling, burning, numbness in hands &amp; feet</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb3.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to TB drugs causing neuropathy</li>
<li>inform and consult your doctor / nurse</li>
<li>Can be prevented by taking vitamin B6 on doctor's advice</li>
</ul>
<h4>Flu like symptoms: Chills, body ache, shortness of breath / Tiredness, dry cough /Loss of appetite</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb4.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to Rifampicin</li>
<li>Usually mild and subsides on its own</li>
<li>May be due to flu infection. Inform and consult your doctor / nurse</li>
</ul>
<h4>Itching and Rash</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb5.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to TB drugs causing skin reactions</li>
<li>If rash develops in the mouth or nose or involves very large body area or is associated with fever; inform and consult your doctor / nurse immediately</li>
</ul>
<h4>Reduced vision / Any problem in the eye</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb6.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to Ethambutol</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse immediately</li>
<li>Usually resolves on stopping Ethambutol</li>
<li> If Ethambutol is stopped, it needs to be replaced by another drug to fully treat TB</li>
</ul>
<h4>Pain in joints, muscles, tendons / Difficulty in movements</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb7.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to Pyrazinamide and Fluroquinolones </li>
<li>Usually harmless</li>
<li>Can be treated with pain killers</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse immediately</li>
</ul>
<h4>Diminution or loss of hearing / Ringing in ears / Giddiness / Loss of balance</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb8.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to some TB drugs</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse immediately</li>
</ul>
<h4>Slowness of activities / Swelling of face / Swelling in neck /Disproportionate weight gain</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb9.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to thyroid dysfunction caused by PAS or Ethionamide</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse</li>
</ul>
<h4>Tiredness, Lethargy / Headache /Pale look /Palpitations</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb10.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li>Can be due to anemia caused by some TB drugs</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse</li>
<li>Needs to be evaluated and can be treated with nutritious food and appropriate drugs</li>
</ul>
<h4>Convulsion /Feeling low in mood/ Seeing abnormal things /Suicidal or abnormal thoughts</h4>
<ul>
<img title="" style="float: right; " alt="" height="178" align="right" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/media/images_en/health/diseases/infectious-diseases/tuberculosis/tb11.png" width="150" class="image-inline" />
<li> Can be due to some TB drugs.</li>
<li>Inform and consult your doctor / nurse immediately.</li>
</ul>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Source:</strong> <i> Prevention and Management of ADR </i></p>
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