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Visited A Leprosy Center. Want To Take Prophylactic Drug. Any Harm?
Question: Dear Dr. Kalpana,
I have a follow up question to my earlier discussion about my mother going to Anandvan (leprosy cure and rehabilitation center).
Is there any harm if my mom takes a prophylactic drug (Rifampicin) just to address any concern about any possible infection (may be sharing contaminated utensils at the Anandwan canteen, Leprosy patients also probably eat there).
We read somewhere that taking Rifampicin as a prophylaxis is effective.
We understand that the chances of infection are extremely low, but we are thinking about this just for our peace of mind.
We will appreciate your response.
XXXXXXX
I have a follow up question to my earlier discussion about my mother going to Anandvan (leprosy cure and rehabilitation center).
Is there any harm if my mom takes a prophylactic drug (Rifampicin) just to address any concern about any possible infection (may be sharing contaminated utensils at the Anandwan canteen, Leprosy patients also probably eat there).
We read somewhere that taking Rifampicin as a prophylaxis is effective.
We understand that the chances of infection are extremely low, but we are thinking about this just for our peace of mind.
We will appreciate your response.
XXXXXXX
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing to us.
All I can say is that chances of your mother getting leprosy from her visit to XXXXXXX van is almost negligible. Usually a single dose of anti leprosy drug renders the patient non infectious and I do not think in a rehabilitation centre there would be a single patient not on treatment for leprosy. I still think you should let this incidence pass by. As you are so concerned, your mother might be concerned too and probably she would never plan a visit to XXXXXXX van again. Do not let your fear influence her social life or social work.
As far as chemoprophylaxis for leprosy is concerned it is usually for people in close contact with untreated leprosy patients like family members, neighbours etc. There is no particular standard guideline for prevention of leprosy. Single dose of rifampicin is said to offer some protection and so it can be tried. As rifampicin is a prescription drug so your mother should visit a dermatologist prior to taking it.
Hope that answers your query.
Regards
Thanks for writing to us.
All I can say is that chances of your mother getting leprosy from her visit to XXXXXXX van is almost negligible. Usually a single dose of anti leprosy drug renders the patient non infectious and I do not think in a rehabilitation centre there would be a single patient not on treatment for leprosy. I still think you should let this incidence pass by. As you are so concerned, your mother might be concerned too and probably she would never plan a visit to XXXXXXX van again. Do not let your fear influence her social life or social work.
As far as chemoprophylaxis for leprosy is concerned it is usually for people in close contact with untreated leprosy patients like family members, neighbours etc. There is no particular standard guideline for prevention of leprosy. Single dose of rifampicin is said to offer some protection and so it can be tried. As rifampicin is a prescription drug so your mother should visit a dermatologist prior to taking it.
Hope that answers your query.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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