Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is tuberculosis disease in which the TB bacterium is resistant to isoniazid and revamping, the two strongest anti-tuberculosis medications. TB can become resistant to antibiotics when the drugs are misused or mismanaged, when patients do not complete their full course of treatment, when healthcare providers prescribe the wrong treatment, the wrong DOSE, or length of time for taking the drugs; or when the drugs are of poor QUALITY.

Treating MDR-TB is complicated and involves the use of second-line medications that carry greater risk of side effects and ADVERSE reactions. Patients taking these drugs must be monitored closely throughout the course of treatment. The regimen USUALLY requires at least 18-24 months and must be individualized BASED upon the patient's medical history. Treatment for patients co-infected with HIV can be more complicated, usually further lengthening treatment time.

Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is tuberculosis disease in which the TB bacterium is resistant to isoniazid and revamping, the two strongest anti-tuberculosis medications. TB can become resistant to antibiotics when the drugs are misused or mismanaged, when patients do not complete their full course of treatment, when healthcare providers prescribe the wrong treatment, the wrong dose, or length of time for taking the drugs; or when the drugs are of poor quality.

Treating MDR-TB is complicated and involves the use of second-line medications that carry greater risk of side effects and adverse reactions. Patients taking these drugs must be monitored closely throughout the course of treatment. The regimen usually requires at least 18-24 months and must be individualized based upon the patient's medical history. Treatment for patients co-infected with HIV can be more complicated, usually further lengthening treatment time.