study of incidence of adverse drug reactions among tuberculosis patients, Omdurman, Sudan

ABSTRACT

A cross sectional study was conducted in Omdurman 'Alkobra' Province with the objective of identifying the occurrence of side effects among tuberculosis [TB] patients, treated with first line anti-TB drugs. Nine hundred forty one patients were selected randomly. Of the interviewees, about 71.2% reported the occurrence of one or more adverse drug effects. The occurrence of dizziness [33.3%], nausea [26.5%], joint pain [23.4%]. burning sensation [15.0%]. and numbness in hands/feet [16.0%] were observed. Certain groups of respondents complained from these effects more than others, e.g. females [78.7%], and alcoholics [75.0%]; [71.8%] of respondents had other disease/s together with TB. and those who used other medication/s with anti-TB drugs [73.7%]. The principal factor responsible for the increased incidence- of these effects seems to be the observed over-doses of anti TB drugs. A set of recommendations was proposed including revision of prescriptions to correct or modify doses, continuous training of health care providers especially in counseling the TB patients about adverse drug reactions, and teaching them to recognize these effects and education of the public to recognize the anti-TB drugs' adverse effects are needed