This document provides information about multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), including what it is, how it is treated, and how to prevent its spread. MDR-TB is a form of TB that is resistant to most common medications, making it more dangerous and difficult to treat than regular TB. The treatment for MDR-TB lasts 24-27 months and requires multiple medications under direct observation to be fully effective, though it can cause various side effects. Preventing the spread of MDR-TB requires properly taking medications, covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation, and limiting time with infected individuals.

1. Damien Foundation India Trust
Charitable Organisation for Leprosy and TB Control
No. 14, Venugopal Avenue, Spur Tank Road, Chetpet, Chennai 600 031. Phone: 044 - 2836 2367
email: info@damienfoundation.in Website: www.damienfoundation.in
Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis
What every patient should know

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What is tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is a disease that
primarily affects the
lungs.
It is dangerous
if you do not receive
treatment!

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What is multidrug-resistant TB?
It is the same microbe that causes drug-susceptible TB.
But it is more DANGEROUS because
some medications cannot cure it.
MDR-TBTB
It is difficult to combat.
But if you take all your medications, you can succeed!

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The treatment:
 Is 24-27 months
 Requires many medications
 Can cause many side-effects
What is the difference between
TB and MDR-TB?
MDR-TBTB
The treatment:
 Is 6 - 8 months
 Requires 4 - 5 drugs
 Usually causes no side-effects

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How do you get MDR- TB?
You may get MDR-TB
through the air
when someone…
• Coughs
• Sneezes
JUST LIKE TB!

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What are the ways you can
avoid of getting MDR-TB?
by sharing
utensils to
eat food
by shaking
someone's
hand
by dirty or
sweaty clothes
or sheets
JUST LIKE TB!

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What are the symptoms of
MDR-TB?
Coughing Night Sweats Fever
Weight Loss Fatigue

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How do you get MDR-TB?
Directly from
another person
who has MDR-TB
Or when TB becomes
resistant due to:
 Unfinished or irregular
treatment for TB
 Taking anti-TB drugs of
inferior quality

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What is the treatment for MDR-TB?
Many ,medications
including an injectable
The treatment lasts
, and…24-27 months
It always beMUST supervised!

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What is a supervised visit?
Trust your DOT
Provider, she is there
to assist you!
A visit is onesupervised
where a DOT Provider will
help you take your
medications daily

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How do you know if treatment
is working?
You will need
to give a
sputum sample
periodically
for testing.
You will continue
to provide
these samples
throughout
treatment.

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Follow-up examination
Monthly Blood Test for first 3 months
Sputum examination
Monthly weight check up
X-ray every six months

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Does the treatment has any
side effects? Yes ...
Nausea
Pain at
the
injection
site
Burning
pain in the
stomach
Talk to your DOT Provider
about any .side effects
Tell them how often and
severe they are.
DO NOT STOP TREATMENT UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO

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Hearing
Loss
Ringing in the
ears and
dizziness
Severe cramping in
the legs
What are the dangerous
side effects?
Some might require immediate medical attentionside effects
from a doctor at the clinic. These side effects include:

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What are the dangerous side effects?- Contd.
Psychosis
or Irrational
Behaviour
Rash Seizures
Yellow
Eyes or
Hepatitis
All side effects can be managed by your doctor

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What happens if you do not
take your treatment?
You could die
You could infect
your loved ones
The microbe can
become more
resistant to
medications

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How do you take care of yourself
when you have MDR-TB?
Eliminate
drugs, alcohol,
and smoking
from your
activities
Good eating
habits are needed
to get better
Give your body
energy to help it
“fight” MDR-TB

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By spitting into
a closed
container
with 5% phenol
How do you keep MDR-TB
from spreading?
By not
forgetting
to take your
medication
By opening all
windows to
improve
ventilation
By covering
your mouth
when you
sneeze or
cough

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How can I prevent MDR-TB from
spreading at home?
Children under
6 years should
spend as little
time as possible
around MDR-TB
infected persons.
Socializing outside
the house, when
possible.
MDR-TB infected
persons should
sleep in their
own bed in a
well ventilated
area, away from
other family
members.

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 Prevent infection
 Get diagnosed
early
 Complete TB
treatment
How can I protect my family,
friends, and community?
The against MDR-TB is to:best protection

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Cost of MDR TB treatment
 Total cost for the
complete treatment
for one MDR TB
patient is
around 2-3 lakhs.
 Treatment is
provided free of cost
by the government.

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We are all in this together!
You are not alone!!