The IPU used European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November to warn that the continued overuse and misuse of antibiotics in Ireland, and globally, is a continuing concern to health. 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.”
Dr O’Dwyer said, “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.”
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