Don't Stop TB Medication Even If There Are Side Effects, Expert Advice

A lung specialist at RS Penyakit Infeksi Prof. Sulianti Saroso, dr. Titi Sundari, Sp.P(K), FISR, reminds tuberculosis (TB) patients to remain disciplined in taking their medication even if side effects such as nausea or vomiting occur. This is crucial to prevent drug resistance, where TB bacteria become immune to treatment.

“If there are complaints or side effects from the medication appear, please do not stop immediately, especially if you then refuse to take the medication again. Remember that not all side effects are severe,” said Titi, quoted on Saturday (28/3).

Patients are advised to consult a doctor immediately if they experience mild symptoms so that appropriate handling can be provided.

Some mild side effects that often appear include:

However, Titi emphasises extra vigilance if more serious symptoms appear. If patients experience skin rashes, continuous vomiting, or yellowing eyes, they must immediately seek medical attention at a health facility to ensure organ function is checked.

To address nausea complaints that often disrupt, Titi provides practical advice regarding the medication schedule. Patients can shift the timing of taking the medication to nighttime.

“The pattern becomes taking it at night before bed, when people are already sleepy and won’t feel anything. This way, they won’t complain about nausea anymore,” she explained. (Ant/Z-1)

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) emphasises that to date, there is no scientific evidence stating that herbal medicines can prevent or treat Tuberculosis (TB).