Have you ever tried reusing an old antibiotic prescription or showing empty old packages to purchase a new batch only to be rejected by the pharmacist? That’s because the practice is dangerous, not only to you, but to everyone who takes medicine. Add to this the habit of not completing the full course of antibiotic treatment, illegal access to antibiotics, and consuming the excess pills from uncompleted treatment courses, and the threat and challenge to medicine (even food security and sustainable development) increases. 

These unacceptable practices have paved the way for ever-increasing types of infections caused by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Unfortunately, some of these microbes have mutated to become stronger variants and have developed resistance—they are able to live and cause harm to humans (even plants and animals) as they resist the medicines used to treat infections (killing microbes). This phenomenon is called Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).  

And because the public often does these practices without knowing full well the risks they bring, one of the crucial ways to address AMR concerns is by raising awareness. In the Philippines, health agencies and pharmaceutical giants have been at the forefront of spreading awareness about antibiotics overuse and misuse—the leading causes of AMR. Among these is Pfizer, a household name when it comes to trusted medicines.  

With Antimicrobial Resistance, existing medicines (antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics) become ineffective in treating infections—some of which could be contagious, increasing risk of spread. These microbes/microorganisms that have become resistant are sometimes labelled as superbugs.¹

But what creates these superbugs? 

While antibiotics resistance can occur naturally, overuse, abuse, and misuse of antimicrobials  allow for an accelerated resistance.²

Whenever we feel sick, we shouldn’t fall back on self-medicating, especially now that doctor consultations have become more accessible through telemedicine. We should always rely on experts in diagnosing our symptoms so we can get the proper treatment, which may or may not include antibiotics or antivirals. If we are prescribed antibiotics or antivirals (or any other medicines for that matter) we should always complete the recommended course stated in the prescription.

Already “feeling well” is no reason to stop taking the prescribed antibiotics. The perception of feeling better doesn’t necessarily equate to completely curing the infection and killing the bacteria/virus in our system. Failing to complete the course is among the culprits in making bacteria resistant to existing medicines. 

So how does AMR threaten the world?

The UN Adhoc Interagency Coordinating Group on Antimicrobial Resistance estimates that if no actions are undertaken, drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths each year by 2050, damage the economy similar to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009, and force around 24 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.³ 

With  the increased prevalence of AMR (e.g. antibiotic resistance) it is also expected that healthcare will become costlier -- more expensive medicines, longer duration of treatment, and longer hospital stays. It also poses a threat to modern medicine as it impedes the provision of effective antibiotics for prevention and treatment of infection during procedures such as surgeries, transplants, and chemotherapy.⁴

This is worrisome but what can I do?

As global citizens, it is our responsibility to be mindful that we don’t contribute to the acceleration of AMR. Through simple ways such as consulting a doctor, following said doctor’s prescription, listening to expert advice of healthcare professionals, and not demanding to be prescribed antibiotics, we can help lessen the threat of AMR to global health, economy, and development. 

Of course, it is also crucial to avoid possible infections through preventive measures such as regular handwashing, hygienic food preparation, and updated vaccinations. We can also help educate our family and friends, making it a habit to advise them to see or call a doctor whenever they feel unwell. 

There are a number of things we shouldn’t worry about anymore, thanks to modern medicine, but we can all agree that AMR is not one of them. We need to do it right for antimicrobials to work.   

Do it better, feel better

Through its local and non-profit corporation, Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PFFI), Pfizer continues to push for programs anchored on its mission to serve Filipino communities for a stronger nation and healthier citizens.

To help Filipinos further understand AMR, the PFFI launched a music video that pays homage to what most Pinoys love to do as a pastime—jamming on guitar with friends and loved ones. 

Titled "Duet Better," the jingle is a catchy reminder to avoid antibiotics overuse and misuse that result in AMR. According to the World Health Organization, among the actions that account to AMR include recycling prescriptions, using prescriptions that are assigned to other people, self-administering antibiotics without prior consultation with health experts, sharing or using leftover antibiotics, and not following the advice of doctors when using antibiotics.

The video also emphasizes that each doctor's prescription is different for every patient. Thus, it's irresponsible to use one that's not particularly issued to you. It also tells the public to follow and listen to the prescription and advice only of doctors and health professionals, especially concerning antibiotics. Watch the full video on: https://www.facebook.com/107094081460359/videos/329699962057928

To know more about Pfizer, its services and AMR awareness efforts, visit https://www.pfizer.com.ph/. Pfizer, Inc.’s  local office is located at 18/F – 20/F 8 Rockwell Building, Rockwell Center, Hidalgo Drive, Makati City.

PP-AIP-PHL-0200; August 2021

References:

¹https://www.who.int/health-topics/antimicrobial-resistance

²https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance

³https://www.who.int/news/item/29-04-2019-new-report-calls-for-urgent-action-to-avert-antimicrobial-resistance-crisis

⁴https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance