Reduction in antibiotic course length.

[Jollj]

Unfortunately I have had to take my rescue meds this past week, I have just seen my practice nurse regarding another matter and asked if she could organise replacing my meds,no problem was the reply,however the antibiotics have now been reduced from 7 day dosage to 5 days following discussions with pharmacies,has anyone else experienced this as I have seen not heard of it happening ?

[Bkin]

I would check back with your doctor not the respiratory nurse. If the ABs are for treating a lung infection you will need more than 5 days supply. If the ABs are for treatment something else then the AB and dose will differ.

If prednisolone, my dose in the past has been for 5 days, others have had their pred dose extended to 7 days. again check with doctor you may also want to check the recommended with nurses on the BLF helpline.

[Jollj in reply to Bkin]

Thank you,yes my pred dose has always been for 5 days but ABs are usually 7 days until this morning,last year I took amoxicillin for 7 days that didn't work so then doxycillin for 5 days which worked a treat,both with pred for 5 days.

[Bkin in reply to Jollj]

I think the minimum amoxicillin is 7 days copd lung infection, you will need to check with your doctor and say 7 days of amoxi didn't work last time so you don't think 5 days supply will and you need to stop the infection in its tracks as quickly as possible. But of course if its a viral infection amoxicillin won't work any way that is why its best if you can provide a sputum sample for testing before you start the ABs.

My normal dose now is 2 weeks doxycycline, but this is just me, we all have different doses depending on the lung situation, I have emphysema and bronchiectasis. So what I am prescribed will not necessarily be the appropriate dose for every one.

Different ABs treat different things you might want to check this page: medicines.org.uk/emc/produc...

[Kristicats in reply to Jollj]

Usually amoxicillin is 7 days and doxy is 5 days unless you have bronchiectasis then it can be for up to 14 days.

[Hidden]

You can look up COPD treatment guidelines, print them off and take them in. It is not up to pharmacists and respuratory nurses to change or go against the national guidelines which are seven days.

[Jollj in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I have just looked up as you say,the nice guidelines were reviewed and reissued in December 2018, and lo and behold they recommend 5 days for amoxicillin as per my practice nurse's instructions this morning so it looks like we are in their hands until further exacerbations become more prevalent,I will of course monitor the situation and take any further action necessary,thanks again for the advice.

[Hidden in reply to Jollj]

Well that sounds like madness to me. Especially as amoxyll is about as effective as a box of smarties. I have bronchiectasis and so our guidelines say 14 days of any ab. Just keep hamnering away at the GP if you keep getting infections.

[bayleyray-uk]

yes mine were from 10 days cut to 5 days but last year I had several more infections so it has been decided by the resp. team to up the medication to 10 days again and see if the flare ups calm down. I am already taking maintenance Antibiotics (3 a week different to my emergency pack) and maintenance Preds of 10mg daily (which go up to 30mg daily for 5 days and then taper back down to 10mg a day).

Sometimes it can be quite tiring keeping track of where I am so now I have little day by day charts to cover infections, its also handy to show the hospital if I have to go there.

I'm sure the cutting down is due to the push by the gov/nhs. to stop us using medication unnecessarily and as usual nobody seems to have ask us why we need so many antibiotics.

Cheers

Sue

[cofdrop-UK]

I totally understand why they are cutting back on abs for the normally fit and well, some of whom stop taking them once they start to feel a bit better and thus increassing the chance of resistance.

I am a bit concerned though that for us with lung conditions whether any reduction is evidence based. It seems to me that too short a course would also have the effect of resistance and if the infection is not cleared up and further antibiotics are needed, then that in itself would be an unnecessary overuse of antibiotics.

Cx

[Jollj in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thank you,yes exactly as it is not too long ago there was a positive campaign to emphasize the need to complete any course of ABs that you are prescribed,but as we know things change almost daily,no doubt someone will come up with a different idea quite soon.

[Hidden in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Yes absolutely.x

[Hidden]

Yes, my last but one dose was reduced to five days, infection came back with a vengeance and had to have a course of much stronger meds, three weeks ago needed anti bios again and doc gave me a 7 day course !! I take a tiny dose of Prednisolone 2 1/2mgs every day (I have 4 lung problems at once)

[Hidden]

It’s a new established research if that antibiotic does work in 5 days you go back and change for a different one.

[Hacienda]

Just Tapered off on the Prednisolone, Asked my Consultant if I can continue with just a 5mg per day for maintenance, she said No. Take the Azith, 3 per week, My Rescue abs are Amoxiclav at 7 Days (ditch the Azith when on these). We know our own Lung issues, & Treatment, always best though to get a little Professional Help. xxxx