PHARMACIST'S ROLE IN LEPROSY TREATMENT IN BASIC UNITS

Abstract

Leprosy is infectious, long-lasting and affects the skin and peripheral nerves of the human body, with the bacterium mycobacterium leprae or Hansen's bacillus as its causative agent. The disease damages nerves, reduces sensitivity and causes whitish or reddish spots on the skin. However, with a low contamination rate, as soon as treatment begins, the infected person no longer transmits the disease. Therefore, the importance of information about symptoms and early treatment, which can reduce treatment time and possible sequelae. In the SUS, the pharmacological treatment of leprosy is carried out with single polychemotherapy (MDT-U), which combines three drugs: rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine. The therapeutic regimen should be used for a period of up to 12 months. However, it is necessary to properly complete the treatment for a cure to occur and to prevent the return of the disease, new contamination and resistance to antimicrobials.