Monitoring for adverse events among patients on tuberculosis therapy.

Abstract

In Australia, patients with diagnosed or clinically suspected TB are treated under the guidance of a specialist with training in TB management. Standard therapy for TB follows international and Australian guidelines and traditionally involves an intensive phase of drug therapy followed by a continuation phase. The majority of treatment – with only rare exceptions – is administered by directly observed therapy (DOT) to aidwith compliance and completion of therapy. The overall goals of treatment are to cure the patient and to minimise the risk of transmission to others.