Pharmacovigilance monitoring and treatment adherence in patients on anti-tubercular drugs

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that involves 6-9 months regimen with different combinations of drugs. Poor adherence can lead to prolonged treatment, higher cost, spurt in new cases and the development of resistance. Directed Observed Therapy (DOTS) are recommended to reinforce adherence for the treatment of TB. Thorough literature reviews suggest limited studies on pharmacovigilance monitoring and treatment adherence in tuberculosis. Methodology This prospective study was conducted on patients suffering from tuberculosis after obtaining written informed consent. The patients underwent a thorough history taking and clinical examination, the patients included in the study were followed up for a period of 4 weeks every 2 weeks. On each visit the patients were assessed for any adverse effects observed which was reported spontaneously by the patients. The patients were also administered Morris Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) during each visit at 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Result A total of 59 patients completed the study with mean age of 46 ± 18 years with of a total of 39 males and 20 females completed the study duration. The Mean Morisky's Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) score at baseline was 4.09 ± 1.33 (Mean ± SD). The mean MMAS-8 score at baseline significantly (p Conclusion The results of our study showed that with each follow-up the adherence to therapy of patients increased giving more chance of completion of therapy.