In 2023, antibiotic prescriptions in community medicine have stabilized (-0.2% compared to 2022). According to an indicator expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) of antibiotics (per 1000 inhabitants), consumption fell by 3.3% compared to 2022. After two consecutive years marked by an increase in the use of antibiotics, the figures for 2023 is part of the trend of moderate but constant decline observed before the Covid-19 pandemic, since 2013.
However, in 2022, France remains the 5th country with the highest consumption of antibiotics in Europe. Also, it is essential to continue educational efforts among health professionals and patients to encourage the proper use of antibiotics and thus slow the development of resistant bacteria. Public Health France, the Ministry of Health and Access to Care and Health Insurance will rebroadcast from November 18 the prevention campaign “Antibiotics: taking good care means first using them well” with with the aim of raising awareness of their proper use and avoiding their overconsumption.
Resumption of the decline in antibiotic consumption in the urban sector in France
Each year, Public Health France produces indicators making it possible to estimate the evolution of antibiotic consumption in cities, which constitutes more than 90% of the total consumption of these drugs.
After a gradual downward trend for several years and after the sharp decrease in consumption in 2020, a recovery was observed in 2021 and was confirmed in 2022. In 2023, the downward trend observed before the Covid-19 epidemic 19 therefore resumes, both on prescriptions (820.6 prescriptions per 1000 inhabitants per year in 2023) and the consumption of antibiotics. This decline could result – at least in part – from a lower incidence of winter infections.
Strong disparities based on age, gender and territories
Prescriptions and use of antibiotics differ significantly depending on the age and sex of patients, as well as territories. Thus, we observe:
- A decrease in prescriptions for children aged under 5, with the number now slightly lower than in 2019.
- Overall higher consumption among women than among men. In 2023, 56.2% of antibiotic consumption in defined daily doses and 59.1% of prescriptions concerned women, while the share of women in the population was 51.7%.
- An increase in consumption among people aged over 65.
- A strong regional disparity with in particular greater consumption and prescriptions in the Corsica and PACA regions.
An evolution of prescriptions which varies according to professionals
The drop in prescriptions and consumption of antibiotics in 2023 in France is an encouraging sign. However, we are still far from the target objective of less than 650 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants per year, retained by the 2022-2025 National Strategy for the prevention of infections and antibiotic resistance. Raising awareness among prescribers and patients is essential to achieving our public health objectives.
Dr Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France
While antibiotic prescriptions from general practitioners decreased by 1.3%, those from dentists and specialist doctors increased by 1.4% and 4.6% respectively.
Regarding dental surgeons, their prescriptions have increased since 2013 (+0.7% per year on average) and, despite the drop observed in 2020, in 2023 they exceeded the level reached in 2019.
A campaign to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics
From November 18, 2024, Public Health France is rebroadcasting the campaign “Antibiotics, taking good care means first using them well”. This campaign, visible on TV, online videos, radio or in the form of posters in the waiting rooms of healthcare professionals, aims to raise awareness of the proper use of antibiotics. She reminds that antibiotics are only effective in cases of bacterial infections and that they should only be taken on medical advice. Like every year, people aged over 65 and parents are more specifically targeted.
Taking antibiotics is never harmless: some tips for using them correctly
Antibiotics are effective only on bacterial infections and have no effect on infections caused by viruses.
- Taking an antibiotic must be preceded by a medical prescription. Since June 19, 2024, pharmacists can dispense antibiotics without a prescription, under certain conditions (result of a rapid diagnostic orientation test – TROD – positive, limited to tonsillitis and cystitis).
- The duration of antibiotic treatment must always be strictly respected.
- Any remaining antibiotics must be returned to the pharmacy.
- Never reuse antibiotics for yourself or your loved ones, even if the symptoms are the same.
To find out more about infections and antibiotics: www.antibiomalin.fr
