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	When should I take antibiotics?
	When are antibiotics the wrong course of treatment?
	Stopping the spread of ‘superbugs’
	What can you do?
When should I take antibiotics? Antibiotics are powerful drugs used for treating many serious and life-threatening infectious diseases, but taking them when you don’t need them can lead to antibiotic-resistant germs. Antibiotics are ONLY effective against bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites. Ask your physician whether antibiotics are right for you or a family member in the following instances: some ear infections severe sinus infections strep throat urinary tract infections many wounds and skin infections back to top When are antibiotics the wrong course of treatment? Antibiotics are NOT effective in treating viruses. If you or someone in your family exhibits viral infection symptoms, DO NOT ask your health care practitioner to prescribe antibiotics as they may lead to greater health risks. The following symptoms and conditions often can be treated without antibiotics: most ear infections colds influenza (flu) most coughs most sore throats bronchitis viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) back to top Stopping the spread of ‘superbugs’ More than 150 antibiotics have been produced since penicillin was introduced in the 1940s. These drugs have saved millions of lives, but their overuse and misuse has created strains of bacteria that are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, often called “superbugs.” It is extremely important that you do not take antibiotics for conditions or infections that are not caused by bacteria. Today, antibiotic-resistant strains have become common; whereas once they were found only in hospitals, outbreaks of some strains – such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – are appearing in the wider community. Using antibiotics for non-bacteria-related conditions can lead to the following problems: inability to treat a condition longer periods during which a person is contagious more costly treatments when providers must resort to less-conventional medications increased costs associated with prolonged illness additional laboratory tests and treatments, which cost you time and money hospitalization back to top What can you do? Understand when antibiotics should be used. Don’t expect to take antibiotics every time you are sick. Don’t pressure your doctor for antibiotics when you have a viral illness. Work with your provider to find ways to relieve the symptoms of your viral illness. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescribed medication, including how many times a day and for how long. This is true whether you are taking antibiotics or any other type of medication. Never take antibiotics without a prescription. If you didn’t complete a full course of antibiotics in the past, you may be tempted to use leftover medication the next time you get sick. This is a bad idea. Protect yourself from infection in the first place. Practice good hygiene to prevent infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Keep food preparation areas clean. Plain soap and water works fine to kill germs in most settings – you don’t need antibacterial cleaners and soap to stay healthy. back to top Source: The Mayo Clinic

*The day supply is based upon the average dispensing patterns for the specific drug and
strength. Select antibiotics are available for free up to a 14-day supply at average oral
dosages. The program, as well as, the prices and the list of covered drugs can be
modified by Sweetbay at any time without notice and at Sweetbay’s discretion.

VALUE-BASED PROGRAM - NOT INSURANCE. The program is not an insurance
policy and does not provide insurance coverage. healthy saver plus is not
meant for individuals participating in federally qualified program.
Savings are available exclusively through participating pharmacies.
You may cancel your registration under the Sweetbay healthy saver plus
program at any time by contacting 1-866-315-6421.