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Leprosy elimination

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WHO Multidrug therapy (MDT)

MDT Blisters

Since 1995, WHO has supplied MDT free of cost to leprosy patients in all endemic countries.

The drugs used in WHO-MDT are a combination of rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone for MB leprosy patients and rifampicin and dapsone for PB leprosy patients. Among these rifampicin is the most important antileprosy drug and therefore is included in the treatment of both types of leprosy. Treatment of leprosy with only one antileprosy drug will always result in development of drug resistance to that drug. Treatment with dapsone or any other antileprosy drug used as monotherapy should be considered as unethical practice.

Related Links

WHO donated MDT
WHO recommended MDT regimens
Management of "burnt-out" cases FAQ
Effectiveness of MDT: FAQ
MDT: duration of treatment FAQ
MDT: managing irregular treatment FAQ
MDT: relapse after treatment FAQ
MDT and drug resistance
MDT: side effects FAQ
MDT and skin smears FAQ
Use of MDT by TB cases FAQ
Use of clofazimine for treating severe ENL reactions

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