| For Immediate Release | CONTACT: | Holly Anderson, ext. 114 |
| March 4, 1998 | ||
| (202) 835-3323 | ||
WASHINGTON, DC . . . As part of a campaign to educate the public about the proper use of antibiotics, the National Consumers League today began distribution of two public service announcements warning radio listeners of the health hazards associated with the inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat viral infections.
The announcements are 30 and 60 seconds long, and are being distributed to radio stations nationwide.
Contrary to what many people believe, antibiotics are ineffective when it comes to treating a virus, such as the flu and most colds and coughs. In addition, medical journals report that taking antibiotics unnecessarily can kill sensitive bacteria while leaving resistant ones to grow and multiply. This can lead to the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that may not respond to antibiotic treatment in the future.
A recent survey indicates that more than 60% of patients with viral upper respiratory infections receive an antibiotic as treatment. Unaware that they are ineffective, many patients request antibiotics from their doctors when the virus really just has to run its course.
"Consumers play a key role in their own healthcare, and we feel it is very important that they have the correct information," says NCL President Linda Golodner. "Hopefully, people will hear these radio spots during the cold and flu season and realize that not only are antibiotics not going to cure a viral infection, but that the inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of super-bacteria that will not respond to future treatment."
Robert Epstein, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice president of Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C., provided narration for the public service announcements, made possible through a grant from Merck-Medco. Merck-Medco manages prescription programs for more than 50 million Americans through the benefit plans of employers, unions, Blue-Cross/Blue-Shield groups and insurance companies. Merck-Medco also mailed information to 20,000 physicians who commonly prescribe antibiotics reminding them of the dangers of prescribing antibiotics for viral infections.