Published on: 16 November 2022
Community Pharmacies in Herefordshire and Worcestershire sign up to an Antibiotic Amnesty and urge patients to return unused pills.
People across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being asked to return unused antibiotics to their community pharmacy as part of an Antibiotic Amnesty for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which takes place from 18-24 November.
Patients can return part or full packs of antibiotics to any of the community pharmacists taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty. They are advised to contact their community pharmacy prior to visiting to check they are taking part.
During the week, people are being reminded that they should only ever take antibiotics that have been prescribed to them and to finish the course unless instructed by a healthcare professional. Antibiotics should never be saved to be used later, and never given to someone else. Holding onto unused antibiotics and taking them without a prescription increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance – where the antibiotics become less effective as the bugs learn to protect themselves against them – which is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.
Antibiotic resistance continues to be one of the biggest health threats facing the world today. Without effective antibiotics, many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous, as they rely on access to antibiotics that work.
Dr Will Taylor, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “I would encourage everyone to check their cupboards and drawers for any old or unused antibiotics and return them to their local pharmacy for safe disposal. This will support the World Health Organisation’s global action plan aimed at reducing the amount of antibiotics that end up in the environment which is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance.”
“It’s important that patient’s listen to their doctor, nurse or pharmacist’s advice and understand that antibiotics won’t be prescribed if they are not going to be effective. Many illnesses can be fought off by our body’s own immune system, including a sore throat, a cold or the flu.
“If you have a minor illness; rest, keep warm, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and contact your local pharmacy for advice on medicines you can take at home.”
Antibiotics should only be used against bacterial infections and not infections caused by viruses such as common colds or the flu.
Clinicians will only prescribe antibiotics when absolutely necessary and the public must take them responsibly by:
- Completing the full course of antibiotics, even if they feel better.
- Following their doctor, nurse or pharmacists’ advice.
- Reading the instructions on the packet and safety leaflet included.
For more information about antibiotics visit: www.
