Proper use of antibiotics is important to help kill the bacteria that make you sick. Make sure you take antibiotics correctly. That means taking antibiotics only when necessary and exactly the way your doctor tells you to.


These are some examples of incorrect use of antibiotics1,2:

  • Not filling the prescription
  • Not starting therapy or delaying therapy
  • Stopping medicine too soon, when the symptoms are gone (but before the medicine is finished)
  • Sharing medicine with others
  • Not taking medicine at the right time
  • Saving leftover antibiotics for future use

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