Pharmacist/ Storekeeper (SDS)

All patients diagnosed with TB should have universal access to rapid DST for at least Rifampicin and further DST for at least Fluoroquinolones among all TB patients with rifampicin resistance, i.e. UDST. 

Common Adverse events to second line treatment are as below

Figure: Adverse Drug Reaction to Second line drugs

Adverse events should be identified, monitored and be referred to

Community Health Volunteers(CHVs) have to refer the presumptive cases identified based on the r symptom screening to the nearest NTEP health facility for further investigation. Once Diagnosed with TB, the TB patients are initiated on the first-line TB treatment. Patients are also offered NAAT within a maximum of 15 days to rule out any drug resistance. If no drug resistance is detected, then the patient continues on the first-line TB treatment. TB patients are then clinically evaluated every month to check the progress of TB treatment. 

Prerequisites to register as a Treatment Supporter

• "Nikshay" Application from Google Play store
• Stable internet connectivity for seamless experience
• A working mobile number, when interacting with NTEP health facility staff for login creation in Nikshay
• Bank details of treatment supporter, in order to be shared with NTEP Health Facility Staff.

After completion of TB treatment, all patients should be followed up at the end of

• 6 months,
• 12 months,
• 18 months &
• 24 months

TB patients at the follow up should be screened for any clinical symptoms and/or cough. If found positive on screening, then sputum microscopy and/or culture should be considered. This is important in detecting the recurrence of TB at the earliest.

1. Counsel and reassure the patient as the common occurring adverse effects usually resolve with time.
2. Advise the patient to take all the drugs together.
3. Advise patient to take light meal (biscuits, bread, rice etc.) before taking drugs.
4. Inform patients that they may take drugs embedded in banana or at the bedtime to reduce their associated side effects.
5. Encourage patients to keep themselves hydrated by increasing fluid intake.

Adverse Drug Reactions(ADR) are classified into serious and non-serious ADR depending upon the intensity of symptoms experienced by the patient. Below is the brief overview

Adverse Drug Reactions(ADR) are unwanted or harmful reactions experienced following the use of a drug or combination of drugs and are suspected to be related to a drug. Severity of adverse effects varies from tolerable and mild ADRs to serious and life threatening ADRs.

Figure: Various Adverse Drug Reactions

Common ADR Symptoms:

When a TB patient consumes all the doses under the prescribed regimen, then Treatment Outcome is declared for a Patient.