Antimicrobial medicines have become a cornerstone of modern medicine. During Pharmacy Month (September), the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness took the opportunity to encourage the general public to use these, which include antibiotics, but to do so responsibly.
After all, irresponsible use could lead to our bodies becoming resistant to them, it pointed out.
Gerswin Hermanus, pharmacy supervisor at Swartland Hospital in Malmesbury, explained that antimicrobial resistance is a natural process that occurs over time through genetic changes in pathogens; however, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines are accelerating this natural process.
He said their overuse and misuse were a great concern, because they need to be used correctly as prescribed.
“Antibiotics are some of the most prescribed medicines, and antibiotic resistance occurs when the bacteria become less sensitive and the medicine is unable to kill them, causing the infection. Over time, bacteria may mutate after exposure to antibiotics and become more resistant to treatment, making the prescribed antibiotics ineffective.
“Developing and prescribing stronger antibiotics often leads to more severe side effects of medication and may increase resistance to antimicrobials.”
Patients and healthcare professionals can help to address this problem:
• Only take antibiotics (or antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic medicine) when needed. Confirm with your doctor or clinical nurse practitioner whether the medication prescribed is essential in treatment.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, make sure that you complete the course of treatment (take all the tablets in the packet at the correct time prescribed). This helps ensure that all the infection is treated successfully.
• Don’t share your antibiotic medication with anyone or use someone else’s prescribed medication.
• Only use the prescribed antibiotic medication for the intended disease or illness.
• Please ensure you take the prescribed medication as instructed, for example, taking medication at a certain time to promote the best efficacy. Some antibiotics and other medications should be taken before or after meals, so make sure you follow the instructions on the label.
• Always avoid taking alcohol with your medication.
• If you are instructed to store certain medications in a fridge, please adhere to this as far as possible. If you don’t have access to a fridge, please let your doctor or health-care provider know so that they can prescribe alternative medication that does not require cold storage.
• Complete the course of prescribed medicine. Even if you feel better, do not stop using the medication as it still needs to be taken as prescribed to make sure that the bacteria that caused the infection are killed.
• Remember, antimicrobial medication cannot be taken as a precaution (if you are not ill) nor do they work as vaccinations, as a preventative measure.
• If you do take your antimicrobial medication as prescribed and experience side effects, contact your health-care provider/clinic immediately.
• Please read the information leaflet included in the packaging of the medication. This will give you an indication of side effects to look out for and detailed instructions on how to take it.
• Please remember never to dispose of any old medication by flushing it down the drain. If you have old medication that you want to dispose of, please take it to your local clinic or pharmacy and ask healthcare providers to dispose of it safely.
If you have medication from your clinic or health facility, and have any concerns or questions, contact your local healthcare provider.
