Management of complications
Reactions:
Patients can develop reactions, which are part of the natural course of the disease. Reactions are not side-effects of MDT. They are the body's response to leprosy and do not mean the disease is becoming worse or that treatment is not working.
Signs and symptoms of reactions include:
- Existing skin lesions become reddish and swollen
- Painful reddish nodules appear
- Peripheral nerves become painful, tender and swollen
- Signs of nerve damage such as loss of sensation and muscle weakness
- Fever and malaise
- Hands and feet may be swollen
(The above signs and symptoms may appear alone or in combination with varying severity)
What to do:
Patients displaying any of the above signs and symptoms should go immediately to a health centre for treatment. Reactions require urgent treatment with special medicines as they can lead to irreversible deformities.
Possible Side Effects of MDT:
Red Coloured Urine – This is due to the colour of rifampicin, which is taken once every month. This lasts for only a few hours after taking the drug. It is harmless.
Darkening of the Skin – This is due to clofazimine used daily for treating MB patients. This is harmless and will disappear within a few months after completing the treatment. Patients must take their medicines regularly.
Allergy – As with any medicine, some patients may be allergic to one of the drugs in MDT. Most commonly there will be severe itching and red dark spots on the skin. In such cases, patients should stop taking the medicine and go to the nearest hospital.