When you are feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, do you insist that your doctor write you a prescription for antibiotics? If you do, you may be unknowingly contributing to the general ineffectiveness of antibiotics. The fact is that antibiotics are of no use in combating colds or the flu, which are primarily caused by viruses. Physicians know this, but they are often reluctant to go against their patients’ insistence on antibiotic treatment. Even when antibiotics are indicated for treatment, doctors might prescribe “broad spectrum” antibiotics that attack many types of bacteria at once instead of relying on more targeted drugs. Either way, unnecessary or incorrect antibiotic prescription leads to emergence or antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” that are increasingly difficult to control.
Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but misuse has increased the number or drug-resistant germs. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites. Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Every time antibiotics are used, they kill some (but not all) of the bacteria. Surviving bacteria that mutate have modified genetic material that makes them invulnerable to the drugs, which means that stronger antibiotics must be used next time.
At Med-Fast Pharmacy we carry a full line of over the counter medications as well as $4.00 Generics and FREE Antibiotics. If you are on an antibiotic ask your local Med-Fast Pharmacists if your medication is on our $4.00 List or our FREE Antibiotic list! Our Pharmacists are available to answer any of your prescription or over the counter medication questions.
