Today’s #30Days30WaysUK topic covers the safe use of medicines.

One of the major areas of topic in this area at the moment covers the correct use of antibiotics.

Bacteria are becoming resistant to medicines at an increasing rate, turning once-treatable infections into potentially life-threatening conditions. This growing crisis - known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - is deepening health inequalities across our society:

• People in deprived areas face a 42% higher risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections

• While 90% of antibiotic-resistant infections occur in white ethnic groups, Asian and Asian British communities experience the highest proportion of antibiotic-resistant infections (nearly 40% of infections)

• Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities, who are already more likely to face barriers in accessing healthcare.

Why is this happening? While bacteria naturally develop resistance over time, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics is speeding up this process, putting our most vulnerable communities at risk.

Take action to protect you and your community:

• Remember: Antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu. Your body can fight these infections on their own.

• Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional

• Always complete the full course as directed by your healthcare professional

• Never save antibiotics for later, or share them with anyone else. 

Safe use of medicines

To safely use medicines, always follow dosage instructions and use reminder tools if needed, store them out of reach in their original packaging, check expiry dates, and never take someone else's medication. For questions or new medications, speak with your pharmacist, and take unwanted or expired medicines to the pharmacy for safe disposal. 

Storage & Disposal

• Secure Storage: 

Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of children. A locked, high cupboard is safer than a high shelf, as children can climb. 

• Original Packaging: 

Store medicines in their original, child-proof containers. 

• Safe Disposal: 

Take unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal, as medicines can be dangerous if disposed of improperly. 

• Check Expiry Dates: 

Do not use medicines past their expiry date, and dispose of them at a pharmacy. 

Taking Medicines Safely

• Follow Instructions: 

Always follow the instructions on the medicine's packet and patient information leaflet, and never exceed the stated dose. 

• Use Reminder Tools: 

Use alarms or a planner to help you remember when to take your medicines. 

• Don't Share: 

Never give your child, or anyone else, medication that was not prescribed for them. 

• Inform Professionals: 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines, including herbal ones, you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. 

When to Seek Advice

• Consult a Pharmacist: 

Speak to your local pharmacist if you are unsure about a medicine's suitability for your condition or if you have questions about its use.