What are the possible side effects of Bedaquiline/Snaeryx?

Bedaquiline is a drug used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). As a new anti-tuberculosis drug, bedaquiline has achieved significant clinical efficacy, especially in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients for whom traditional anti-tuberculosis drugs are ineffective. However, although bedaquiline has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of tuberculosis, it may also cause some side effects, and patients need to pay special attention to these adverse reactions during use.

One of the most common side effects is abnormal liver function. Bedaquiline may cause increases in liver enzymes such as ALT and AST, indicating that the liver may be affected. Patients taking bedaquiline for a long time need to undergo regular liver function tests to ensure that liver function remains within the normal range. If a patient notices a significant increase in liver enzyme levels, the doctor may adjust the dose of the drug or temporarily stop the drug to avoid liver damage.

In addition, bedaquiline may also cause changes in electrocardiogram, especiallyQT interval prolongation. QT prolongation is an electrocardiogram abnormality that may increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. During bedaquiline treatment, patients usually need to undergo regular electrocardiogram examinations to ensure that the QT interval remains within a safe range and to prevent adverse cardiac reactions.

In terms of other side effects, bedaquiline may also cause some common gastrointestinal discomforts, such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. In addition, some patients may experience joint pain, headache, fatigue and other symptoms. Although these side effects are common, most are temporary and can be alleviated by adjusting the dosage or using auxiliary medications.

It should be noted that the side effects of bedaquiline are not limited to the above. Some patients may experience allergic reactions, including rash, angioedema and other symptoms. If you develop a severe allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, swelling of the throat, etc., you should stop using bedaquiline immediately and seek medical help.

Reference materials:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedaquiline