Anyone bought antibiotics?

[nethunsreject]

Here in the UK I mean?
I have an infection just now and Dr has given me a 7 day course. However, I've looked at the NICE guidelines and it suggests 10 days.
In the past, the infection has recurred and I've needed more abx after initial improvement so ten days makes sense.
My gp isn't one for patients being well informed iyswim, so going in asking him to extend the course will not go down well! I just need three days worth. Can I buy it anywhere safely.!
Thank you

[HowsTheSerenity]

Take the amount you have (the complete course) then go back to the GP.
You may not need more. If you need more they will be prescribed.

[SunshineAndShadows]

It is illegal to buy antibiotics in the uk they are a prescription-only medicine.

[HeyMicky]

The 7 or 10 day time frame is arbitrary. It's picked to be long enough to kill the bugs but not so long you get a reaction. So no need to buy extra, if they're going to work they will do in 7 days

[nethunsreject]

Thanks for replying,
I'm not sure about arbitrary, if nice recommend 10 days, shouldn't that be the default? Also in the past a seven day course has meant a recurrence shortly after :-.
I wish I had faith in our local gp but he is hopeless, there have been numerous complaints about him.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

The answer is no you can't buy any anywhere safely. Either you tackle the GP now and politely inform him of current NICE guidelines which are freely available or take the course and then go back if it recurs.
Personally I would go back to the GP as the 7 to 10 days difference is arbitrary certain conditions have recommendations because this how long studies have shown it takes to get full bacterialogical cure and this varies from condition to condition and is often long than clinical (visible) cure.
Ensuring bacteriological cure is a cornerstone of good antibiotic use and prevention of resistance developing.

[nethunsreject]

Hi lone, do you mean go now or when it inevitably recurs?
The guidance says ten days for this specific ailment.
Thanks!

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I would go now with the NICE guidelines.

[nethunsreject]

Thanks, I'd like to do that, however I know he'll trot out his usual line 'it's a guideline, not a directive' with cat's bum face! :-)

[HeyMicky]

I meant even NICE's recommendation is arbitrary. Of course, this varies condition to condition, but the individual recommendation will be correct.Whatever the dose on the packet is will be sufficient for the condition - an extra three days won't make any difference.

[nethunsreject]

Nice guidelines are evidence based. They should be the default. The bnf also says ten days. And the patient information leaflet. In the past, seven days has caused a recurrence.

[turn360]

u can - search the online clinic

[Lonecatwithkitten]

HeyMicky I disagree there is really god evidence that in certain conditions 3 days will make the difference hence the NICE guidelines.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Good evidence that is.

[Matildathecat]

Genuine question, if your GP is crap, why don't you change? There are surely plenty of excellent gps around.

[Roonerspism]

Is it a UTI?

My GP cocked up on this when I was preg. Got a 5 day course and needed 10. Useless fecker and I ended up in triage as infection worsened (it was also the wrong AB)

I see a different GP now!

[nethunsreject]

It's a throat infection.
Rural area so no other gp :-\

[turn360]

you can :) see my post above, done it many a time

www.theonlineclinic.co.uk/buy-amoxicillin.asp

[nethunsreject]

Thank you

[CrashDiveOnMingoCity]

With something as minor as a throat infections, will 3 days really make a difference? Genuine question.

[InfinitySeven]

I would not buy antibiotics online. It's illegal, and it'll most likely be fake. They are hoping it works as a placebo.

If you need more, call the doctor and calmly state that you need a 10 day course, and could he please write a script for you to pick up. It doesn't matter what facial expression he pulls then. If you still have no luck, contact PALs. But don't get them off the internet. The risks are just too high.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Crash for tonsillitis yes it absolutely will repeat culturing ave shown that after 7 days whilst the tonsils appear clear bacteria are still present it takes 10 days to clear all the bacteria.

[pinkfrocks]

I used to get very bad and regular tonsillitis and never had any more than 5 days worth.
A bacterial infection in the throat ought to clear up within 7 days- I'd have thought.

If it doesn't go back and see what they suggest.

[CrashDiveOnMingoCity]

I thought that many episodes of tonsillitis were viral anyway. Also, OP said it was a throat infection, tonsillitis tends to be a bit more intense IME.

[pinkfrocks]

Many drs won't give ABs for throat infections unless they are swabbed first and shown to be bacterial. Giving out ABs willy nilly is why there is such an issue now on AB resistance.

Most throat infections will go away on their own and gargling with salty water or soluble aspirin is a good home remedy.

[nethunsreject]

It is tonsillitis, strep a swab positive.
Ha ha at a sore throat being minor. I wouldn't wish this one on anybody.
I won't buy online, too dodgy plus goodness knows what price?!
Thanks for the replies from people who know what they are talking about.