7. Adverse Effect Management

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Most TB patients complete their treatment without any significant adverse effects of drugs. However, a few patients do experience adverse effects. Patients sometimes discontinue the treatment due to major or even minor adverse effects. It is therefore important that patients are clinically monitored during treatment so that adverse effects can be detected promptly and managed properly. Routine laboratory monitoring is not necessary. Managing drug reactions rapidly and aggressively is an important means to increase tolerance. Generally, with minor adverse effects, drugs need not be stopped. In most cases, counselling the patient and use of ancillary medicines is all that is necessary. With major adverse effects, the offending drugs often have to be stopped and the regimen modified suitably. Health workers/ DOT providers can monitor side effects of drugs by teaching patients to recognize symptoms of common side effects and to self-report promptly if such symptoms develop. They should also enquire about occurrence of any side effects during their routine patient visits and when the patient comes to collect drug refills.