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Existing antibiotics still help most patients
AMA Victoria President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, today reassured Victorians that most bacterial infections could be treated with established antibiotics and there was no need for patients to request new antibiotics being promoted through the media.
"Some people become confused when they hear media reports of new drugs being launched. They gain the impression that existing medicines can no longer help them and ask doctors to prescribe the newest drugs available.
"Doctors are very cautious about ensuring they prescribe antibiotics for only bacterial infections because of a build up of antibiotic resistance in the population to some infections. But when antibiotics are required, the existing types will help the majority of patients.
"When doctors prescribe medications they are using their knowledge of the bugs likely to be the cause, their experience of antibiotics most likely to work and product knowledge to ensure patients receive the most appropriate medication for their condition.
"Doctors working in hospitals will welcome new drugs which can help the increasing number of people who develop antibiotic resistant bacterial infections, but people need to remember that these account for a tiny proportion of infections seen by GPs and doctors in hospitals.
"More patients now understand that antibiotics will not help them if they have a viral infection, which is the cause of many cold and flu symptoms. Asking your doctor for antibiotics when you have a viral cold will not get you better quicker.
Victorian Medical Directory
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