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

Patients can return unused or unwanted packs of antibiotics to any of the community pharmacists during this week, but community pharmacies will accept household medicines at any time of year.

Last year during an Antibiotic Amnesty in November, over 350 packs of medicines were returned to pharmacies during the amnesty.

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.

Many winter illnesses get better on their own without using antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs.

Pharmacists can offer patient’s advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains.

Pharmacists can suggest treatments that do not need a prescription for a range of conditions.

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. This is where the antibiotics become less effective as the bugs learn to protect themselves against them, and this is a threat to humans, animals, plants and the environment.

Throwing old or unwanted antibiotics away in household rubbish or down the sink or toilet will harm the environment and could increase the risk of harmful bugs in 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.

The campaign is also encouraging pet owners to return unused antibiotics to veterinary practices for safe disposal, as antimicrobial resistance is a threat to our pets as well.

Richard Seal, Regional Chief Pharmacist (Midlands), said: “I would encourage everyone to check their cupboards and drawers for any old or used antibiotics.

“Returning them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal will help to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance in the Midlands by reducing the amount of antibiotics that end up in the environment.

“This is a simple action that people can take to make sure we keep antibiotics working for the future.”

Find out more about antibiotic resistance and where your local pharmacy is.