Antibiotics are the solution to many medical problems. They can help those with severe illness feel better within days. The medication is also known to contain disease by killing contagious properties. But are antibiotics safe enough to use without a doctor’s permission? Those who need prescription help will be told by doctors and medical professionals to only use antibiotics directly within their instruction parameters.
What are Antibiotics?
The first used antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Since then, many other antibiotics were discovered and are now only available in the US today with the prescription from a doctor. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria that cause infection or stop the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, so they cannot be prescribed for a virus.
Why Shouldn’t I Take Leftover Antibiotics?
- Antibiotic Resistance- Misusing antibiotics could lead to complete worldwide antibiotic resistance. “Superbugs” developed to combat specific antibiotics in the body can appear when antibiotics are not used for their intended purpose. Self-diagnosing causes the rising rates of these bugs. The removal of the curing properties of antibiotics could turn our world into a disease infested nightmare.
- They Won’t Work- Taking leftover antibiotics will most likely not help your symptoms. There are multiple antibiotics each developed to attack specific bacteria. Chances are, you do not have the medical knowledge to know which antibiotics attack the bacteria affecting you.
- Antibacterial Cycles- If you have leftover antibiotics, you have already went against the instruction of your doctor. Doctors will prescribe antibiotics in seven or fourteen-day cycles. All prescribed cycles of antibiotics are meant to be taken until all of the pills are gone. This ensures the removal of all problem bacteria in the body so that symptoms do not reappear. Leaving leftover antibiotics gives you a higher chance of recurring medical issues.
Prescription Help: What do I do with my Leftover Antibiotics?
Many pharmacies and some government agencies hold days specifically for proper disposal of unused prescription medications. Check with your local pharmacist or law enforcement agency on when you can bring your extra pharmaceuticals for disposal. Otherwise, only use antibiotics as prescribed and instructed by your doctor and never give them to others for use.
Financial Prescription Help
Are you finding it difficult to pay for your prescribed antibiotic medications? If so, The RX Helper has developed patient assistance programs to help those that need medications be able to afford them. We have a number of different medications available for discount and some are even 100% covered by our program. See if you qualify by contacting us on our website or calling us at 877-767-3297.