Antibiotics: Avoid Overuse

By Jennifer Footit-Tank, BSN, RN, CCP, quality care coordinator at Network Health

Antibiotics are a game changer in the fight against infection. However, this medical miracle does have a downside, as overuse now threatens the ability of antibiotics to cure diseases for which they were designed. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern we all can take part in preventing.

What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are medications designed to kill or slow growth of infections caused by certain bacteria. These medications come in pill, liquid, topical or intravenous (IV) forms and need to be prescribed by a provider. Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics are used improperly, and the bacteria survive instead of becoming weak or dying. This then leads to infections becoming harder to treat because the antibiotics no longer work.

What do antibiotics treat? Antibiotics only treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, UTI or bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, like flu, bronchitis, sore throats not caused by strep or colds with green or yellow mucus.

What are the side effects of antibiotics? Taking antibiotics puts you at risk for side effects such as dizziness, rash, nausea, diarrhea or yeast infections. More serious side effects are life-threatening allergic reactions. When antibiotics are necessary, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Antibiotics are not always the answer. When you feel miserable you look for ways to feel better quicker. Many illnesses get better on their own in seven to ten days. Your personal doctor or pharmacist can direct you to over-the-counter medications that can provide relief from your symptoms.

You can also try the following methods at home before using antibiotics.

• Use honey to relieve a cough—for people over one year old • Breath in steam from a warm shower to ease congestion • Use a clean, cool mist humidifier for a stuffy nose • Try a saline nasal spray or sinus flush to clear out nasal passages

Taking antibiotics that are not needed will not help you and the side effects could harm you.

Meeting with your personal doctor. When discussing your symptoms, ask about treatment options that do not involve antibiotics and ways to prevent getting sick, such as a flu shot and what to do if your symptoms do not improve.

What to do if you have been prescribed an antibiotic? Speak with your personal doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects and how to correctly take the antibiotic. Ask your doctor what tests might be done to make sure you are getting the right antibiotic prescribed. Never share your left-over medications or take someone else’s antibiotics. Call your doctor if you experience any side effects. Take the medication exactly as directed and always finish the prescription, even after you feel better.

Antibiotics fight infection and save lives if we use them responsibly. Overuse of antibiotics can threaten the ability to fight infections. Working with your doctor or pharmacist on symptom management will allow you to get better in a healthier way.

The Opioid Crisis – How We All Pitch In

By Ted Regalia, vice president of pharmacy at Network Health

Anationwide effort to address the ongoing opioid crisis has made some progress, however, challenges still exist. The good news is, according to the American Medical Association, there has been a 37.3 percent decrease in opioid prescriptions over the last five years. Network Health members have seen a 32.6 percent decrease in opioid prescriptions in just three years. Despite this progress, opioid related deaths continue to rise nationwide.

Opioid use disorders can happen to anyone. These disorders include opioid addiction, which can interfere with a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life, not to mention the hardship and strain it can cause to loved ones.

So, what are we doing to address the opioid use crisis?

Our members, providers and Network Health all have a role in keeping our communities safe.

Physicians or Prescribers

The state of Wisconsin has implemented a monitoring program that requires prescribers to consult a website any time they prescribe a controlled substance that includes opioids. This website displays prescriptions from other physicians and pharmacies across the United States and Wisconsin, so the prescriber has a full picture of the medications a patient is receiving. Furthermore, Wisconsin physicians are required to take continuing education classes on safe opioid prescribing.

Network Health

We have implemented quantity limits on new prescriptions for members who have not had an opioid in the last six months. In other words, if you are not a routine opioid user, you will be limited in the number of pills you can get at a time. This is important to prevent unused opioids sitting in the cabinet which could pose a risk for unintentional ingestion, overdoses or getting into the wrong hands. We have also put a prior authorization in place for cases where high-dose opioids are medically necessary. Again, this is to help promote safe opioid prescribing.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

For patients experiencing opioid use disorders, specialized physicians have several different medication therapies that may help. Network Health covers both the treatments and treatment facilities. Methadone clinics are a type of medicationassisted treatment. These treatments do not require prior authorization, so our members can have these options readily available to them without delay. We also cover other treatment options. If you are concerned about your opioid use, please contact your personal doctor to discuss the options you

have available.

Pharmacies

Wisconsin permits a pharmacist to dispense naloxone without a prescription. Naloxone is an opioid antidote and is a life saver in cases of opioid overdose. We strongly recommend you discuss naloxone with your physician and/or pharmacist. Ensure you teach those around you how to use naloxone in the event of an accidental overdose. Doing this can save lives.

Our Members

You play the most important role. If you need pain control, make sure you are using alternative treatment options, including other medications, physical therapy and other interventions suggested by your doctor, to help minimize your use of opioids.

Speak with your doctor about realistic pain expectations and keep a pain diary to track how you rate your pain day to day, as well as what makes the pain better or worse. This information can help your provider better understand and meet your needs. Lastly, make sure you are storing your pain medication in a safe, secure place. Do not share your medications with anyone else. And, if you have unused pain medication, make sure to dispose of it either at your pharmacy, local police department or follow disposal instructions provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Disposal instructions can be found on the FDA’s website, fda.gov.