Adverse effects from multi-drug therapy in leprosy: a Brazilian study.
Deps, Patricia D;
Nasser, Sofia;
Guerra, Patricia;
Simon, Marisa;
Birshner, Rita De Cássia;
Rodrigues, Laura C;
(2007)
Adverse effects from multi-drug therapy in leprosy: a Brazilian study.
Leprosy review, 78 (3).
pp. 216-222.
ISSN 0305-7518
https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/8604
Permanent Identifier
Use this permanent URL when citing or linking to this resource.
https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/8604
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The WHO MDT for leprosy treatment was officially introduced in Brazil in 1991 and comprises three drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine. There are few good studies on the frequency of side-effects attributable to MDT in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study carried out in a LCP in Vitória, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil. A specific and detailed protocol about side-effects was prepared and filled in from the patient records. RESULTS: One hundred ninety four patients' records were analysed looking for side-effects attributable to MDT. Side-effects were attributed to at least one MDT component in 88 (45%) patients and 85 had side-effects due to dapsone, 24 due to rifampicin and 18 due to clofazimine. 185 episodes were identified. The suspected drug was stopped in 47 out of 88 episodes (24% patients); 46 had dapsone stopped, 5 had rifampicin stopped and no-one had clofazimine stopped. CONCLUSION: Side-effects attributed to MDT is more frequent than previously described, resulting in interruption of treatment in many patients.
