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Anyone bought antibiotics?

31 replies

nethunsreject · 30/10/2014 21:08

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

OP posts:
HowsTheSerenity · 31/10/2014 03:27

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 · 31/10/2014 04:12

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

HeyMicky · 31/10/2014 05:34

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 · 31/10/2014 08:33

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.

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 31/10/2014 08:42

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 · 31/10/2014 09:01

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

OP posts:
Lonecatwithkitten · 31/10/2014 09:03

I would go now with the NICE guidelines.

nethunsreject · 31/10/2014 09:47

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! :-)

OP posts:
HeyMicky · 31/10/2014 10:07

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 · 31/10/2014 10:19

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.

OP posts:
turn360 · 31/10/2014 10:34

u can - search the online clinic

Lonecatwithkitten · 31/10/2014 13:11

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

Lonecatwithkitten · 31/10/2014 13:11

Good evidence that is.

Matildathecat · 31/10/2014 13:25

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

Roonerspism · 31/10/2014 13:29

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 · 31/10/2014 15:01

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

OP posts:
turn360 · 31/10/2014 15:16

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

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

nethunsreject · 31/10/2014 15:35

Thank you

OP posts:
CrashDiveOnMingoCity · 31/10/2014 18:02

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

InfinitySeven · 31/10/2014 18:07

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 · 31/10/2014 18:22

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 · 31/10/2014 18:30

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 · 31/10/2014 18:44

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 · 31/10/2014 19:19

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 · 31/10/2014 21:00

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.

OP posts: