Many Americans are misusing 'under-the-counter' or old leftover antibiotics to self-medicate without seeing a doctor or getting a prescription, according to a new study review.
are an amazing 20th-century innovation, promising a quick cure for bacterial illnesses that might otherwise cause serious harm or death.Yet a new study review suggests that's exactly what many Americans are doing: misusing"under-the-counter" or old leftover antibiotics to self-medicate without seeing a doctor or getting a prescription.
After reviewing 31 prior studies conducted between 2000 and early 2019, Grigoryan and her colleagues concluded that there is no one explanation or pattern driving antibiotic misuse., or not wanting to miss work to see a doctor. Other patients simply want to avoid the hassle, Grigoryan added,"because they mistakenly think that antibiotics are no big deal and don't need supervision."
"But the main message for anyone who does so is the same for everyone," Grigoryan said."Taking antibiotics without a current doctor's prescription and supervision is unsafe."In some cases. it may be pointless, she said. For example, she noted that antibiotics are useless for aIn other cases, there can be veryor dangerous interactions with other drugs a person might be taking, Grigoryan added.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta is a professor of pediatrics and medicine with the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Study: Millions should stop taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks
Read more »
The Monochromatic Mani Is Taking Over Instagram—& Here's How To Get ItThis monochromatic look has been all over Instagram this summer, and this is exactly how you can create the nail look.
Read more »
Should You Be Taking a Daily Aspirin?“I should be taking aspirin, right?” Jeff, a 60-year-old patient, wants to make sure he’s doing everything he can to guard himself against ...
Read more »
The one surprising hair product you should be taking on holidayIt really could help prevent damage...
Read more »
Why Taking Control Of Her Life Made Katelyn Ohashi Feel Powerful'I think power means to be heard and to have a voice. To be able to speak your own mind is having power. But not just speaking — being listened to.'- katelyn_ohashi
Read more »