TB patients in Hyderabad in despair; life-saving drug Cycloserine in short supply

Hyderabad: The shortage of Cycloserine, a critical antibiotic used in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), in Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai has thrown a shadow over the fight against this challenging disease. Patients and healthcare professionals are grappling with the scarcity of this vital medication, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the existing TB treatment regime.

Poor people most affected

In Hyderabad, doctors, including pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists, have expressed their apprehension about the impact of Cycloserine USP shortage on patients fighting against DR-TB.

Dr Anjali Rao, a prominent pulmonologist, emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, stating that Cycloserine is indispensable in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. “Its scarcity disrupts the treatment cycles for patients who are already battling a formidable disease. We need to address this issue urgently,” she said.

“The shortage of an essential TB drug is causing hardship to patients, especially for those who come from weaker economic sections as many find it difficult to make a living after being diagnosed with TB. HHF is supporting a few patients by purchasing medicines from outside,” said Mujtaba Hasan Askari from the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF).

Patients in Hyderabad, like Rajesh Kumar, have been deeply affected by the shortage. For individuals like him, Cycloserine is a lifeline. The absence of this medication has raised concerns about the effectiveness of their therapy, causing anxiety and uncertainty.

Government shortage troubles patients in Pune

The shortage of Cycloserine has also hit Pune, a city with a significant number of DR-TB patients. Civic officials have cited the lack of supply from the state government as the primary reason for the shortage. Consequently, patients have been asked to purchase the medication from external sources.

Dr Prashant Bothe, Pune’s TB officer, explained the situation. “The shortage is due to the lack of supply from the state government. The patients have been asked to procure the medicines by themselves for a week. The issue might get resolved after that since the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is in the process of purchasing the medicine.”

The consequences of the Cycloserine shortage in Pune are concerning. A single-day dose of Cycloserine costs Rs 150, and patients must take it every day for either nine or 18 months. The gap in doses could lead to patients relapsing or developing resistance to second-line antibiotics.

Mumbai, another major city in India, is also facing challenges due to the scarcity of Cycloserine. Dr Mahavir Modi, a chest physician at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, shared his concerns. “Private hospitals mostly refer MDR-TB (multi-drug resistant TB) patients to government facilities. Private hospitals are usually only for consultation and follow-up. The drug has to be taken for a period of nine months or 18 months. It is important to take the medicine on time as an interruption in treatment could lead to relapse or patients developing resistance.”

Patients, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups are calling upon authorities and pharmaceutical companies to prioritise the production and distribution of Cycloserine USP. Ensuring a consistent supply of this medication is vital for the well-being of individual patients and the broader efforts to combat TB.