Will Bedaquiline cause drug resistance?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis may develop drug resistance when using bedaquiline tablets (Bedaquiline). Drug resistance refers to the decrease in the sensitivity of bacteria to drugs, causing the drugs to lose their effectiveness.

Bedaquiline tablets are a new type of anti-tuberculosis drug, so the resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to it is relatively low. However, with the widespread use of bedaquiline tablets, the potential for the development of drug resistance remains.

The development of drug resistance is mainly caused by the following factors:

1.Genetic mutation: Mycobacterium tuberculosis will undergo genetic mutations during the replication process, and some of these mutations may lead to resistance to bedaquiline tablets.

2.Improper use of drugs: If bedaquiline tablets are not used according to the correct dosage and time, or if there are intermittent or irregular drug use during treatment, Mycobacterium tuberculosis may gradually adapt to the presence of the drug and develop resistance.

3.Drug interactions: The interaction between bedaquiline tablets and other drugs may lead to changes in drug concentration, thereby affecting the killing effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

In order to reduce the development of resistance to bedaquiline tablets, the following are some countermeasures:

1.Strictly follow the treatment plan: Patients should follow the doctor's instructions, use bedaquiline tablets correctly, and strictly abide by the dosage and time of the treatment plan.

2.Combination medication: Bedaquiline tablets are usually used in combination with other anti-tuberculosis drugs to reduce the development of drug resistance. Combining drugs can increase the killing effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and reduce the risk of single drug resistance.

3.Drug monitoring and drug resistance testing: Regularly monitor the patient's condition and drug response, including testing for drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This helps detect the development of drug resistance early and allows timely adjustment of treatment regimens.

4.Drug research and development: Continue to conduct research and development of anti-tuberculosis drugs to find new drugs and treatment strategies to meet the challenge of drug resistance.

It needs to be emphasized that the development of drug resistance is a global problem and is not limited to bedaquiline tablets. In order to reduce the drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it is necessary to strengthen tuberculosis prevention and control measures, including strengthening the surveillance and drug resistance monitoring of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, improving patients' awareness of following treatment plans, and rational use of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

In summary, although resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is relatively low with bedaquiline tablets, the potential for the development of resistance still exists. The development of drug resistance can be reduced and the effectiveness of TB treatment improved through the correct use of drugs, combinations of drugs, surveillance and resistance testing, and drug research and development.

Bedaquiline tablets have been launched in China and have been included in Class B medical insurance. Patients can buy it domestically, but the price is very high. The price of 100mg*24tablets is around 15,000 yuan. For specific prices, please consult the local hospital pharmacy. There are only original drugs abroad, and the more cost-effective ones are Russian original drugs. The price of 100mg*188 tablets is also about 15,000 yuan. The specifications are about 8 times that of domestic ones. Relatively speaking, the price is still very cheap compared to domestic ones. And the ingredients of domestic and foreign original drugs are consistent.