When we’re combatting a bacterial infection, popping an antibiotic seems like second nature. But we seldom pause to consider the financial cost that comes along with it. This powerful medicine can cause more damage to our pocketbooks than to the virus at hand. In truth, antibiotics are too expensive for many of us to afford and have become shrouded in an unconscionable amount of strain. Our anxiety over their prices is only compounded by a million other healthcare costs, rendering any relief brought about by these crucial medications unaffordable in the end. There is far too frequently no way around it for us patients—antibiotics suck our bank accounts dry.
A course of antibiotics is a standard prescription for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, many patients complain that such therapy has cost them dearly, and has brought little benefit. To enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics and at the same time reduce the cost of buying them. The following five practical tips will help.
Strictly follow the instructions
The duration and schedule of taking antibacterial drugs are the cornerstones of the effectiveness of the entire course of treatment. If the patient stops drinking antibiotics earlier than prescribed by the attending physician or takes them from case to case. Then the pathogenic bacteria not only do not die in full but also develop resistance (resistance) to the drug.
This means that in order to further fight the infection, the doctor will have to prescribe more powerful, and therefore more expensive antibiotics, which will lead to a delay in full recovery, an increase in the number of side effects, and an increase in financial costs.
Try generics
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, etc.) often have generics: completely identical in chemical composition and nature of antibacterial action, but much cheaper. It can be difficult to find analogues of popular antibiotics in pharmacies in the USA. But in online pharmacies, in Canada, they are available inexpensively.
For example, if one attempts to buy generic Amoxil which can also be found in Canadian pharmacies at a price about 2-3 times cheaper than the American one while buying an analog of Azithromycin will cost 8-9 times cheaper. The benefit is quite obvious and does not require additional comments.
Drink enough water
If antibiotics kill pathogenic bacteria, then the free liquid helps to remove toxic waste products from the body. Patients who ignore the drinking regime are faced with powerful intoxication. The effect of this on metabolic processes is even more harmful than the infection itself.
Staying hydrated can help speed up your recovery process, so grab a bottle and keep sipping throughout the day. Water helps maintain productive bodily function, getting your much-needed rest and relaxation! Just make sure not to overdrink as too much can actually hurt you. Drinking consistently whenever you’re feeling under the weather keeps your energy level from dipping, helping alleviate symptoms and prevent a relapse. So don’t forget: drink up!
It is important: it is better to drink ordinary boiled water, since coffee, black tea, cocoa or milk are more energy—consuming for a sick person – the body will have to spend the effort to extract from these liquids the pure H ₂ O necessary for cells.
As for energy drinks or alcohol, they are strictly prohibited for the period of taking antibiotics.
Read the section “Special instructions”
Few people look into this part of the instructions for drugs, yet it often contains specific warnings, non-compliance with which can reduce the effectiveness of therapy or increase side effects.
For example, the Azithromycin mentioned above is not recommended to be combined with grapefruit juice, which the attending physician may not warn about.
Don’t Be Afraid to Stop the Treatment
Finally, if the antibacterial drugs taken cause any complications (nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, inflammation of the oral cavity, hearing loss, blood in the stool or urine), then you should not persist and persistently take them further. It is necessary to take a break and inform the doctor about the side effects that have occurred.
Antibiotic misuse can cause serious infections and illnesses, leading to more harm than good. If this happens, it’s important to stop taking antibiotics immediately in order to avoid any potential health risks. Taking antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription, that is meant for another type of illness or not using the full dose can lead the body to become accustomed to — or even dependent upon — these drugs. When the body gets used to relying on them, doctors may not be able to find an antibiotic that is effective for treating your symptoms if you become seriously ill. By being mindful of how — and when — you use antibiotics, you can reduce the chance of future problems.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics of another group or prescribe concomitant treatment, after which the complications listed above will quickly disappear.
