ITANAGAR, Oct 31: Daily drug regimen for treating Tuberculosis (TB) under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) was formally launched in the state, replacing the existing DOTS regimen.
Under this daily drugs regimen, patients will be put on fixed drug combinations (i.e. three or more drugs as a single dose) instead of several individual drugs, to reduce the pill burden. The dosages will be in four specific weight bands of 26-39 kg, 40-54 kg, 55-69 kg and above 70 kg, informed DTO Dr P D Thongchi.
Seven new TB patients were put on daily DOTS Regimen on the launching day.
Chief Medical Superintend, Dr R D Khrime, who launched the new drugs regimen at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences DOTS Centre on Tuesday, asked the patients to take the medicines regularly and complete the course of treatment.
Khrime told patients that they may feel better after two to three months of treatment, but should not stop the treatment like some patients do as it may lead to complications and development of Drug Resistant TB.
