Pharmacists and pharmacy teams contribute to ensuring the safety of the medicine supply chain as well as to protecting public health. They therefore have an important role to play in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Firstly, pharmacists help promote the appropriate use of antibiotics by intervening at various stages of treatment, thereby limiting any excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics:
- By checking prescriptions to identify potential drug interactions or inappropriate prescriptions
Should the case arise, pharmacists can alert the doctor or advise the patient. - By informing patients about the risks associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics
They can explain that such medication is only effective against bacterial infections and has no effect on viral infections (such as colds or flu). Pharmacists also play an important part in awareness-raising campaigns aimed at combatting antibiotic resistance by implementing local public health initiatives and providing freely available information. - By making sure the patient follows the prescribed treatment
More specifically, they must inform patients of the importance of completing the full course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear whilst they are taking the medication. - By monitoring the patient’s progress
As local healthcare professionals, pharmacists can monitor the progress of their patients’ antibiotic treatments. If they have any doubts about the effectiveness of the treatment, if the infection returns or if they notice any side effects or adverse reactions, they can refer the patient back to a doctor for reassessment. - By assisting with diagnosis
They can carry out diagnostic tests or even rapid diagnostic screening.
NOTE: When it comes to antibiotics in veterinary medicine, pharmacists do not prescribe such medication; they should refer the owner to a vet.
Secondly, pharmacists and pharmacy personnel contribute to the prevention of the risk of infection:
- By advising patients on good hygiene practices
Encouraging patients to adopt the necessary hygiene measures will help limit the spread of infection. - By playing an active role in the national vaccination programme
In France, pharmacists can prescribe and administer vaccines as specified in the routine immunisation schedule.
Finally, pharmacists play an important role in protecting the environment:
- By inciting patients to return any unused antibiotics to the pharmacy
This helps prevent improper self-medication as well as limiting the release of antibiotics into the environment.