People across the Midlands are being asked to return unused antibiotics to their community pharmacy as part of an Antibiotic Amnesty for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which takes place from 18-24 November. 

Patients can return part or full packs of antibiotics to any of the community pharmacists taking part in the Antibiotic Amnesty. They are advised to contact their community pharmacy prior to visiting to check they are taking part.  

During the week, people are being reminded that they should only ever take antibiotics that have been prescribed to them and to finish the course unless instructed by a healthcare professional. Antibiotics should never be saved to be used later, and never given to someone else. Holding onto unused antibiotics and taking them without a prescription increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance – where the antibiotics become less effective as the bugs learn to protect themselves against them – which is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.  

Antibiotic resistance continues to be one of the biggest health threats facing the world today. Without effective antibiotics, many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous, as they rely on access to antibiotics that work.  

This is the second year the amnesty has run across the Midlands. During November 2021, 240 community pharmacies took part and collected almost 500 part or full packs of antibiotics during a two-week period. 

This year for the first time ever, the campaign is also encouraging pet owners to return unused antibiotics to veterinary practices for safe disposal. Antimicrobial resistance is a threat that affects our pets as well. The vet practices participating in the vet amnesty across the Midlands can be found here.  

Andrew Pickard, Pharmacy Advisor at NHS England (Midlands), said: “Following last year’s successful Antibiotic Amnesty, I would encourage everyone to check their cupboards and drawers for any old or unused antibiotics and return them to their local pharmacy for safe disposal. This will support the World Health Organisation’s global action plan aimed at reducing the amount of antibiotics that end up in the environment which is a major cause of antimicrobial resistance.” 

Lindsey Fairbrother, from the Goodlife Pharmacy in Hatton, said: “We all have to do our best to preserve the benefits of existing and future antibiotics. Reducing the number of antibiotics in use and circulating in the community will ensure they remain potent and are able to treat those most at need.  Inappropriate use of antibiotics and using them when not medically indicated leads to resistance and reduces their effectiveness.  

“Also, patients should not always expect to be prescribed antibiotics. Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics and they do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs and sore throats.”  

The impact of antimicrobial resistance on health can be significant. Lisa Jones, Patient Ambassador for Antibiotic Research UK, said: 

“My health has been affected by resistant infections for many years now, as I have suffered both skin and respiratory infections which keep recurring.  

“When I become ill, my family are also affected as they care for me, and my life is put on hold. I desperately need antibiotics to keep working when I need them.  

“That is why it is so important to never share antibiotics with others, and to dispose of leftover antibiotics safely. This can help to limit the spread of bacterial resistance in the environment and reduce the risk to people’s health”.