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When Medicines Stop Working: What You Need to Know About Antimicrobial Resistance

 Imagine going to a hospital for an infection that is considered a simple one and is easily treatable with antibiotics, only to find out that everything has changed and the antibiotics don’t work anymore. Doesn’t that sound horrifying?

That is exactly what is happening around the world, and the phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While it sounds like it is extremely technical, it is something that affects every one of us, and it is vital that we understand what is going on. 

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs (like bacteria or fungi) stop responding to the medicines meant to kill them — mainly antibiotics. This means that even common infections, like a urinary tract infection, can become difficult or impossible to treat.

Simply put, antibiotics are misused - and as a result, germs become stronger and our medicines weaker.


Why should we care?

Because AMR can affect anyone. It can make minor infections dangerous again. It can make surgeries and treatments like cancer therapy riskier. And it’s already causing thousands of deaths every year globally — numbers that could rise to millions if we don’t act now.

How do we contribute to the problem?

Here are some everyday habits that are quietly feeding the problem:

  • Taking antibiotics when we don’t need them — like for colds or flu (which are caused by viruses, not bacteria). Try steam inhalation with menthol crystals or our local aboniki, drinking warm fluids such as tea or warm lemon water, and throwing in some ginger for good measure.

  • Not finishing the full dose when we’re prescribed antibiotics.  Many people stop taking their antibiotics once they start feeling better — but that’s risky. The infection may not be fully gone, and the surviving germs can become stronger and more resistant. Always complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve. It can be difficult, but it's for our own good.

  • Sharing leftover antibiotics with others.  It might seem helpful to give a friend or family member your leftover meds, like our mothers and grandmothers do, but it can do more harm than good. Antibiotics are prescribed based on the type of infection and the person's health. What worked for you might not be safe — or effective — for someone else.

  • Buying antibiotics without medical advice or a prescription. Taking antibiotics without seeing a healthcare provider means you might be using the wrong medicine — or taking it when you don’t need it at all (like for a cold or the flu). This not only wastes the medicine but also increases the chance of resistance. Always seek proper medical guidance.

All of these give germs a chance to “learn” how to survive the medicine — and come back stronger.

What can we do to help?

The good news is we can all help slow this down. Here’s how:

  1. Don’t pressure your doctor or pharmacist for antibiotics. Ask if they’re really necessary.

  2. Take your medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop early, even if you feel better.

  3. Never share or reuse antibiotics. They’re not one-size-fits-all.

  4. Prevent infections. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing, and use sanitizers. It's really the little things.

  5. Ask questions. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you're unsure about a medicine.

Final thoughts

Antimicrobial resistance isn’t just a medical problem — it’s a community problem. It’s about how we use medicines in our homes, shops, and farms. The choices we make today can protect our future.

Together, we can protect the power of antibiotics — one smart choice at a time.


 Rebecca Nortey

Your Pharmacist 

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Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 29, 2025 at 11:28 AM

    Thank you very much for the education . Your posts are always on point. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete

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