Infection Medicine: Your Antibiotics Edition of Fact Vs. Fiction

Many of us have been prescribed antibiotics at least once in our lives. Whether it's a rare or common bacterial infection, antibiotics are a customary way to either kill or slow the growth of bacteria.

However, because of how popular antibiotics are, there are some popular myths and important facts you need to be aware of.

You can also call the EvergreenHealth Pharmacy to get more information about your prescribed antibiotics or schedule a consultation at (425) 899-2790.

To keep you healthy and safe, here are facts and fiction according to the experts about the popular medication.

Fact vs. Fiction

Fact: Antibiotics help fight bacterial infections, NOT viral infections.

Antibiotics are prescribed to fight bacterial infections, which include conditions like urinary tract infections, strep throat or a wound infection. Antibiotics are not used to treat viral infections like influenza, the common cold or COVID-19. However, it's essential you schedule time with your primary care provider or head to a nearby Urgent Care location if you have a fever over 101 degrees and your symptoms last longer than a week. Your symptoms may be caused by a bacterial infection.

Fiction: You can stop taking the antibiotics prescribed to you just because you start feeling better.

It's important to take your prescribed antibiotics as directed by your provider. That means you should finish your prescribed dose—even if you feel better—unless your provider says you can stop taking your medication. Simply because your symptoms improve does not mean the bacteria is completely gone. If you stop taking your antibiotics too soon, the bacteria could mutate and gain resistance to the antibiotics and make you feel sick again.

Fact: You should only take antibiotics if you have been prescribed to take them.

Never take antibiotics that have not been prescribed to you. Prescriptions, including the type of antibiotic and dosage, are tailored to the patient's needs, health history and condition. Taking antibiotics can cause allergic reactions as well as side effects that may be difficult to tell apart from the side effects of your infection.

Fiction: It's OK to use leftover antibiotics.

Never use leftover antibiotics, even if they were prescribed to you in the past. As mentioned above, you may have leftover medications if your doctor advised you to stop taking them before your full dose was finished. Although you may think you have the same infection as before, you can't be sure without an official diagnosis from your care provider. Additionally, like most medications, antibiotics do expire and become ineffective after a certain amount of time. If you have questions about leftover medications, you can consult a pharmacist at EvergreenHealth by calling (425) 899-2790 or you can reach out to your provider directly via MyChart.

Fact: Antibiotics can cause side effects.

Antibiotics can cause certain common side effects that your provider and/or pharmacist will likely go over with you before you receive your prescription. Experts say side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Upset stomach

If you experience any of these side effects, you should notify your provider and your pharmacist. You may also experience an allergic reaction, like:

• A raised rash or hives
• Swelling in the tongue and face
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

Depending on the severity of your reaction, you should either consult your primary care provider or seek emergency care. EvergreenHealth has three convenient emergency departments across the Eastside.