Exploration of experiences of patients with the adverse-drug effects

Multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria (germs) that are resistant to the usual drugs that are used to treat "normal" TB. The duration of treatment for MDR-TB is a maximum of 22 months. People with MDR-TB are treated in specialized tertiary hospitals and in out-patient clinics in the PHC facilities. The treatment includes a six months injectable phase with a wide range of TB drugs. The adverse effects of MDR-TB drugs are among the worst sideeffects ever reported by patients. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of adverse effects of MDR-TB treatment amongst patients in a primary health care facility in the Western Cape.