Changing the previous thrice-weekly regimen for tuberculosis, the health ministry has launched daily regimen using fixed-dose combinations (FDC) for TB patients under ‘The Revised National TB Control Program’ (RNTCP). The anti-TB drugs will be made available free of cost to private pharmacies and physicians for dispensing to patients seeking treatment in private sector. Daily Regimen With Fixed Dose Combinations Since 1997, the thrice-weekly regimen was provided for TB patients under the RNTCP. However, the thrice-weekly regimen was associated with increased incidence of drug resistance and relapse.
In 2010, WHO revised its TB management guidelines recommending the daily drug regimen to be adopted under the RNTCP. The daily regimen is said to be more effective with lesser relapses. Key Points The daily FDC anti-TB drugs will be made available to private pharmacies or private…
