Adverse effects in the treatment of tuberculosis

Objective: To analyze occurrences of drug-related adverse effects in treatment of tuberculosis and its association with clinical variables and outcome. Method: Cross-sectional study with 63 cases of tuberculosis treated at Tuberculosis and Leprosy Outpatient Clinic of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, from 2010 to 2015. We used frequency analysis and chi-square test with Monte Carlo correction. Results: Adverse effects started before the third month of treatment; effects were more frequent, with predominance of gastric irritation. There was association between medical conduct and adverse effects (p=0.009). Conclusion: Adverse effects caused by medications may impair the clinical outcome due to risk of treatment withdrawal. Health professionals should be alert to signs and symptoms related to adverse effects, implementing the necessary behaviors to neutralize or reduce complaints, aiming adherence to treatment and cure of the disease. (AU)