This month: European Antibiotics Day with a focus on resistance

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotics are drugs that help with infections caused by bacteria, such as a bladder infection or pneumonia.
When bacteria are treated too often or incorrectly with antibiotics, they can become insensitive (resistant). The drug then works less well or not at all.

According to the RIVM, the number of resistant bacteria in the Netherlands is still relatively low, but the number of "particularly resistant bacteria" is slowly increasing. Also, the NethMap/MARAN 2024 report shows that the decline in resistance in animals is leveling off.

More to know? Visit Thuisarts.co.uk - Antibiotics or Apotheek.co.uk - Topic Antibiotics.

When antibiotics no longer work...

A real-life example: Mrs. Jansen (74) came to her family doctor with a recurring bladder infection. She had been given antibiotics before, which worked well at first. This time the medicine did not help. In the laboratory, it turned out that the bacteria had become resistant to the usual antibiotics.

Mrs. Jansen had to be hospitalized and received antibiotics via IV. She eventually recovered, but the treatment took longer and was more severe.
This example shows how important it is to use antibiotics wisely and always complete a course of treatment.

The role of the pharmacy

We make sure not only that you get the right medicines, but also that you use them safely and effectively.
According to the KNMP Guideline for Dispensing, we check for interactions, dosage and proper use. We explain why a course of treatment should be completed and when to contact GP or pharmacy.

We contribute to reducing resistance by:

• giving advice on proper use of antibiotics;
• checking that the right drug has been prescribed;
• helping with questions or side effects;
• and by working with family physicians according to the NHG-standard Infectious Diseases.

Antibiotics: by prescription only

Antibiotics are only available by prescription from the general practitioner.
You can't buy antibiotics without a prescription, this is a deliberate choice by the government to prevent resistance.
Some other remedies, such as painkillers, nasal sprays or cough medicines, are freely available. When in doubt, always seek advice from the pharmacy.

What can you do?

• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and finish the course, even if you feel better.
• Use them only for bacterial infections - not for a cold or flu (which are viruses).
• Make sure to report it if you are taking other medications or have been abroad. Resistance is much higher in some countries. (Radboudumc on Global Resistance)
• Make sure you have good hygiene and enough rest to prevent infections.

The Government stresses that responsible use of antibiotics is one of the most important ways to prevent resistance.

Why this is important

When antibiotics stop working, common infections become harder to treat. Hospitalizations take longer, and some treatments - such as surgery or chemotherapy - become more risky.
This is why it is important that we use antibiotics carefully in the Netherlands. Fortunately, this works well thanks to cooperation between doctors, pharmacists and patients.

Questions?

Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.