Business
CDC asks retailers to promote responsible antibiotic use
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted March 16, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out letters in late February to several chain pharmacies that have been offering free generic antibiotics, urging them to promote responsible use of the medicines.
The federal agency was particularly concerned that the pharmacies were linking their programs to the cold and flu season, despite the fact that neither condition responds to antibiotics, and that the free program could exacerbate the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Laurie Hicks, medical director for CDC's Get Smart Program, said having free drugs available could increase patient demands that their physicians prescribe them.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/03/16/bibf0316.htm.