COMMUNITY pharmacies in Worcestershire are urging the public to return unused antibiotics as part of a new campaign.
Antibiotic Amnesty – a week-long campaign made by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – aims to educate and mitigate antibiotic resistance.
Patients can return part or full packs of antibiotics to any of the community pharmacists taking part, but it are advised to check if before visiting.
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.”
He added it is important for patients to listen to their doctors, nurse or pharmacist’s advice and not to take them unless told – many can be fought off by our own bodies’ immune systems.
When taking antibiotics the public is advised to: complete the full course of antibiotics even if they feel better, follow their doctors advice and read the instruction and the packet and leaflet safely.
Visit nhs.uk/conditions/antibiotics/ for more information.
