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Medicine safety

Can I take leftover antibiotics from a previous illness?

No. Do not use leftover or someone else's antibiotics; they may be wrong for your infection, the wrong dose, expired, and they drive resistance.

Diese Informationen dienen ausschließlich der allgemeinen Orientierung und stellen keine medizinische Beratung dar. Konsultieren Sie bei persönlichen gesundheitlichen Anliegen stets eine qualifizierte medizinische Fachkraft. Wählen Sie im Notfall Ihre örtliche Notrufnummer.

Using leftover antibiotics is risky. The drug may not match the bacteria causing your current problem, the amount left may be too little to treat anything properly, and the medicine may be out of date and less effective.

Taking the wrong antibiotic or an incomplete amount can mask symptoms, delay correct treatment, and help bacteria become resistant. It can also cause unnecessary side effects or a dangerous reaction if you have an allergy you did not know about.

If you think you need antibiotics, see a clinician to be assessed. Return any leftover antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than keeping them at home.

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