European Antibiotic Awareness Day is 18 November
November 17, 2023: The continued overuse and misuse of antibiotics in Ireland, and globally, is a continuing concern to health, Irish pharmacists have warned. According to the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) the risks of antimicrobial resistance are significant and, whilst awareness of the issue is growing, more needs to be done to support more prudent use of antibiotics.
Speaking to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day, Dr Susan O’Dwyer, Head of Professional Services at the Irish Pharmacy Union said, “Antibiotics remain among the most important medicines in modern healthcare and have saved countless lives. However, we must recognise that their ability to do so in the future will be diminished if misuse and overuse is not addressed.”
“The dangers of antimicrobial resistance are now well established and in Ireland growing numbers of bacteria are becoming more resistant to antimicrobials. It is incumbent upon everyone, both healthcare providers and patients, to play their part in reducing the impacts of resistance. The warning is very real and failure to act poses a real threat to public health.”
Highlighting a common misconception, Dr O’Dwyer cautioned against self-prescribing or reusing leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses. “In our pharmacies we will sometimes hear patients referring to having some antibiotics from a previous infection that they can take. This is never a good idea. You should only take medications prescribed for you for a particular ailment. Follow the instructions exactly and complete the course of your medication as directed.”
Dr O’Dwyer concluded by reminding patients that antibiotics have no impact on many common winter bugs. “As we enter the winter coughs and colds season it is important to remember that antibiotics will not provide any benefit to sufferers of COVID-19, flu or the common cold.”
Key advice provided by the Irish Pharmacy Union to combat the risks are:
- In the community, many infections can be prevented through hand hygiene, vaccination and other measures such as respiratory etiquette and physical distancing, potentially resulting in a decreased need for antibiotics.;
- Antibiotics are not effective against infections caused by viruses such as COVID-19, common colds or influenza. They should only be used to treat bacterial infections.
- Antibiotics do not work like painkillers and cannot relieve headaches, aches, pains or fevers. Taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons will not aid recovery, and may even cause side-effects such as diarrhoea, nausea or skin rashes.
- If a healthcare professional confirms that antibiotics are necessary, takethem exactly as prescribed (at the correct dose and intervals) and finish the full course even if you are feeling better.
- Do not save antibiotics for later use or share them with others.
- Avail of vaccines for conditions such as flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease at your local pharmacy.
ENDS
