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Commentary: We face a world potentially running out of antibiotics (www.channelnewsasia.com)

submitted 11 months ago by throws_lemy@lemmy.nz to c/news@beehaw.org

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[–] Hirom@beehaw.org 21 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Multiple countries need to fix their inadequate regulations to stop aggravating antibiotics resistance, including:

India where there is "Inappropriate use of antibiotics [..] Largely unrestricted over-the-counter sales"
China as you mentioned, need to continue efforts to reduce antibiotics (mis)use.
European countries are collectively the world's biggest importer of food, including farmed animals periodically dosed with antibiotics. A 2022 ban on routine antibiotic use should hopefully avoid worst abuses on antibiotics, including for imports.

[–] shapesandstuff@feddit.de 8 points 11 months ago (2 children)

I was also shocked to learn the US have over the counter antiobiotics that people pop for random illness and minor cuts/scrapes. Pretty much unthinkable here (EUN)

[–] bingbong@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 11 months ago (1 children)

We absolutely do not have over-the-counter antibiotics, they need a prescription every time

[–] shapesandstuff@feddit.de 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Besides the topicals OTC that i outlined in here, US friends of mine "keep" their remaining prescription ABs for when they are sick again.

Like he got prescribed some for a COLD and then kept them to pop when he gets the next COLD :'D

Its nuts. Some OTC, others simply overprescribed.

Here you get a prescription if you have a severe infection, OR a substantial injury with high risk.

[–] bingbong@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

Wait, I'm assuming you're from somewhere in Europe, you don't have topical antibiotics available without prescription?!

I wouldn't argue against antibiotics being overprescribed in America, they definitely are. The tendency is for medicine to be prescribed if a patient sees a doctor. Another crappy consequence of an expensive medical system, people won't be satisfied if they spent hundreds of dollars only to be told to rest and drink lots of fluids.

US friends of mine "keep" their remaining prescription ABs for when they are sick again

This is definitely a thing that morons do over here 😂

[–] millie@beehaw.org 5 points 11 months ago (1 children)

We definitely don't have that at all.

[–] shapesandstuff@feddit.de 4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Yes, some topical AB are available according to a quick online search

Some topical antibiotics can be purchased as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.
However, it is always recommended that you consult a medical expert before purchasing and using any medication.
Topical antibiotics are used to treat skin wounds, scrapes, scratches, and minor burns.
They are available in ointment, cream, spray, or powder forms and are used to prevent infection in topical skin ailments.
Some over-the-counter topical antibiotics include: Bacitracin (Neosporin)
Polymyxin (Polysporin)
Neomycin (Neosporin Plus Pain Relief)
Pramoxine
Benzoyl peroxide (Proactiv)

[–] millie@beehaw.org 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

There's a huge difference between saying 'antibiotics are available OTC' and 'topical antibiotics are available OTC'. One is misleading clickbait nonsense, the other is true.

[–] shapesandstuff@feddit.de 2 points 11 months ago

Thats why i didnt write what you claim i did.

"they have over the counter antiobiotics"

As in antibiotics exist there that are OTC.

Is that so absurd?