The Costco Connection

88 The Costco Connection MARCH 2018
servative assumptions and are likely mini-
mum estimates.”
The overuse of antibiotics extends well
beyond the U.S. The World Health Organi-
zation (WHO) just released guidelines that
provide advice on “which antibiotics to use
for common infections and which to pre-
serve for the most serious circumstances”
( who.int; search “antibiotic guidelines”).
The goal of these new guidelines is to
“ensure that antibiotics are available when
needed, and that the right antibiotics are
prescribed for the right infections.”

Can antibiotic problems be solved?

WHO expects its guidelines will improve patient outcomes, reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of “last resort” antibiotics that are essential when all other options don’t work.

It could be a while before significant improvements are seen. Doctors and other clinicians will have to alter their prescribing habits; patients will have to better understand what ailments antibiotics can and cannot help and the risks in taking these medicines unnecessarily—and ulti-

THERE ARE simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of antibiotic-related problems, and to help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance. Here are a few.

• First and foremost, try to avoid getting infections so you won’t need antibiotics in the first place.

According to the CDC, you can prevent drug-resistant infections by getting recommended immunizations, following safe food-preparation guidelines, regularly washing your hands with soap and water, and using antibiotics as directed and only when necessary.

• If you are prescribed an antibi-
otic, ask if it is necessary or if is
being prescribed as a precaution. If
it’s being used preventively, ask what
other steps can be taken. Ask specifically
about antibiotic resistance.

• Use antibiotics only as prescribed.

Take the appropriate dosage each day, and be sure to take all the medication.

• If you are taking antibiotics
and miss a dose, contact your
doctor for advice. To avoid this
issue, set reminders for your-
self using your phone or other
alarm device.

• Never take antibiotics that are left over from a previous illness or that were prescribed to someone else.

• Don’t pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic. If your doctor doesn’t think you need one, ask for advice on managing your symptoms in other ways.—RC

What should you do?

ANTIBIOTICS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 87

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mately stop demanding them even when advised against their use. Additionally, it can be hard for doctors to resist patient demands, and doctors who prescribe fewer antibiotics tend to have lower patient satisfaction scores.

For steps you can take, see the tips below (“What should you do?”). C

Costco member Roberta Carson is founder and president of Zaggo Inc. ( zaggocare.org), a nonpro;t designed to help caregivers.

CO MS TO CK

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