Assessing the Prevalence and Effect of Adverse Drug Reactions Among Patients Receiving First Line Anti -Tubercular Medicines in the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Introduction:  Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, especially in developing countries, like Ghana. Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) is a referral centre and has a well-established chest clinic responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis.

Objective: The study was to find out the nature and occurrence of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) in patients receiving first line antitubercular therapy (ATT) in TTH and how the occurrence of these ADRs and their management affected adherence.

Methodology: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study over a six month period. A total of 66 people consented to the study. Data was collected by the pharmacist and two trained research assistants during routine clinic visits. The questionnaire covered different thematic areas; patient demographics characteristics, ADRs occurrence, adherence to ATT and ADRs management. Ethical clearance was sought from the TTH Research Department.

Results and Discussion:  77% (n=51) experienced ADRs and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most reported ADRs (80%, n=41).  22 respondents (84.6%) skipped or missed medication whereas 4 (15.4%) stopped taking their medication. About 39.2% (n=20) reported to a healthcare practitioner and 60.8% did not. All the reported cases were managed by a health practitioner using another medication.

Conclusion: The study shows ADRs are common among patients receiving first line ATT, similar to other study findings.  GIT related ADRs were the most common ADR experienced although they were not severe. Most skipped and some stopped taking the medication entirely. The ADRs reported to health professionals were managed using other drugs.