Recognising the Side Effects of Tuberculosis Drugs

Dr. Titi Sundari, a pulmonologist at the Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital, explained that the side effects of tuberculosis drugs are usually mild, including nausea, reduced appetite, fatigue and itching, though there is no rash or redness. In addition, headaches or flu-like symptoms, joint pain, a feeling of being warmer, and urine that is reddish in colour are commonly experienced by tuberculosis patients. ‘That’s usually what patients complain about, and it’s among the milder side effects,’ said Titi. She added that some patients may experience nausea or vomiting, but this tends to occur in patients with impaired liver function. ‘What matters is that not all patients develop severe symptoms. This also depends on the patient’s condition outside of tuberculosis treatment. Some are perfectly fine, many tuberculosis patients are fine, safe until they finish their treatment,’ she said. Generally, side effects of tuberculosis treatment can affect people of all ages—from children to adults. In older people, there is a risk of different effects due to decreasing organ function, such as the liver and kidneys. Additionally, patients with immune disorders such as HIV/AIDS can experience organ impairment, and TB patients with kidney impairment may face heavier side effects. Moreover, a commonly reported side effect is reddish urine, caused by rifampicin. However, there is no need to worry, according to Titi. ‘If the patient eventually stops taking rifampicin, the urine colour will return to normal, and there is nothing to worry about,’ she concluded.