Changing from single-drug to fixed-dose combinations: experience from Fiji.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs were introduced in Fiji in 2011, and there have been concerns about treatment response. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment response to FDCs among tuberculosis (TB) patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of treatment outcomes of new TB cases registered from January 2010 to April 2013 and weighing ⩾30 kg. Sputum smear conversion of new sputum smear-positive cases and end-of-treatment outcomes of all cases were evaluated for those receiving FDCs and compared to outcomes with previous use of single-drug preparations. RESULTS: Among new TB patients, 240 received single-drug preparations and ..