Is it really so bad not to finish an antibiotic course?

[MamOfTwo]

Taking antibiotics but suffering with side effects - would it really be so bad not to finish the course? Am feeling better, but I know you're meant to complete course although not sure why!

It can cause the bacteria to become antibiotic resistant so it is worth finishing the full dose IMO. www.nhs.uk/news/medication/questions-over-advice-to-finish-courses-of-antibiotics/

They only give you enough to complete the job - you don’t get ‘extra’. If you don’t finish sh the course you run the risk of the infection coming back stronger and having to take more antibiotics. Speak to your GP and don’t abuse the NHS. If you had to pay real money for them you wouldn’t take the risk.

Hope you get well soon.

Yes, it’s bad. Take them all!

Yes. You need to complete the course.

Why? You need to ensure ALL the bugs are gone...if you stop early, even if you feel better, the most resistant and tough ones can survive. This means 2 things.

1. You could get ill again as you have not fully "cleared" the infection..it will be back in a few days as big numbers rebuild
2. Worse...you can add to the global issue it anti-biotic resistant bacteria as you have effectively selected for the toughest!

Yes it's bad. Antibiotic resistance is a real and very scary threat. Take them all.

Cross posted - good links attached!

Yes, it is. If you don't finish the course, you won't kill off all the microbes, and the ones that are left will start to become resistant to antibiotics. We will end up in a world where the drugs don't work. Here's what the World Health Organization says:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.
• AMR is an increasingly serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society.
• Without effective antibiotics, the success of major surgery and cancer chemotherapy would be compromised.
• The cost of health care for patients with resistant infections is higher than care for patients with non-resistant infections due to longer duration of illness, additional tests and use of more expensive drugs.
• In 2016, 490 000 people developed multi-drug resistant TB globally, and drug resistance is starting to complicate the fight against HIV and malaria, as well.

Finish the damned course already!! ;)

Side effects - take probiotics, natural yoghurt and minimise sugar so you can nuture your good gut bacteria as these will have been wiped out too

Righto. That's me told. Will complete the course!

goodgirl Hope you feel better soon