Ontario Drug Benefit : Antibiotic Resistance - What you need to know

Antibiotic resistance is a serious health care problem related to the widespread use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs used to kill bacteria. Medical science has successfully developed a wide range of antibiotics to fight infections caused by the many different types of bacteria.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. Viruses cause illnesses such as the common cold, "flu" and bronchitis.

Bacteria can change over time and become "resistant" to antibiotics, so antibiotics cannot kill them. Using antibiotics too often or incorrectly can lead to more resistant bacteria. This is a serious public health concern, since we rely on antibiotic treatments to fight illnesses. "Superbugs" are new bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics we have today.

Resistant bacteria also can spread from one person to another. That is why it is important to use antibiotics only when they are really needed. Remember, it is the bacteria that are resistant, not you !

• Talk to your doctor when he or she prescribes an antibiotic to remedy an ailment.
• Do not ask for antibiotics if your doctor says you have a viral infection (commoncold, "flu," bronchitis, etc.). Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
• Follow all instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Always complete the full prescription. Do not save part of it to use another time.
• Never use antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
• Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of infections. Most common infections are spread by hands. When you wash your hands, use soap and water. Remember, washing with water alone will not get rid of germs.
• Whether you are young or old, your own natural defenses can sometimes fail, and you may need antibiotics. Antibiotics will not decrease your natural immunity to infections, but it may be necessary to take antibiotics.

As new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria grow, it is more important than ever that antibiotic drugs be prescribed in proper dosages, at the right time to fight the right illnesses.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is working with a group of health experts to develop a plan to control the rising tide antibiotic resistance by :

• taking steps to ensure that antibiotics are being used with care;
• providing prescribing criteria to professionals;  and
• providing information to the public.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse practitioner, or more information about antibiotic resistance can also be found on the following web sites :

• Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance (CCAR)
• Canada's National Information Program on Antibiotics (NIPA)

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