Every year, over 25 million antibiotic prescriptions are written for human consumption in Canada. 30-50% of which are estimated to be unnecessary.
The overuse of antibiotics is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance and is threatening the ability to treat common infectious diseases. New resistance mechanisms are emerging and spreading globally, which has been expedited by the overuse of antibiotics. A growing list of infections – including bacteria that cause pneumonia and bronchitis – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective. Using Antibiotics Wisely is organized by Choosing Wisely Canada, with the support from Health Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, as well as The College of Family Physicians of Canada, and aligns with the Pan-Canadian Framework on Antimicrobial Resistance.
One of the ways to help fight antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics more wisely. These antibiotic recommendations have been developed by professional societies representing different clinical specialties in Canada. The recommendations are meant to spur conversation about what is appropriate and necessary treatment.
Antibiotics Wisely
The Antibiotics Wisely campaign has created physicians’ resources to support the conversation between clinicians and patients about unnecessary antibiotic use.
The third edition of The Cold Standard toolkit provides practical tips and tools to use antibiotics wisely and manage respiratory tract infections in the era of COVID-19 and virtual care.
A new e-learning module in collaboration with the College of Family Physicians of Canada on CFPCLearn: Practical Management of Respiratory Tract Infections during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Patient Pamphlets: Navigating colds, flu, and kids and Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children
Clinicians in New Brunswick can order the following resource material.
