In pharmacies, hospitals or accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people (Ehpad), pharmacists act as sentinels of public health. In direct contact with patients, they are often the first to explain why an antibiotic is not systematically necessary to treat an infection.
Rapid diagnostic orientation tests (Trod) for angina or simple cystitis make it possible to limit unnecessary treatments. “ We have an enormous responsibility: to prevent misuse before it turns into uncontrollable resistance. », explains a city pharmacist, daily witness to patients’ expectations.
A country still too consuming
The 2024 report from Public Health France shows a slight decrease in antibiotic consumption in France: – 3.3% in daily doses per inhabitant in 2023 compared to 2022. But these efforts remain insufficient. With 820 prescriptions per 1,000 inhabitants per year, France remains among the largest consumers in Europe, far from the national objective of 650 prescriptions.
The figures vary according to age groups:
– Among children (0-4 years), prescriptions fell by 9%, an encouraging progress.
– Among seniors, the situation is more alarming, particularly in nursing homes without pharmacies for indoor use. Indeed, among those over 80, prescriptions increased by 5.3%.
Worrying resistance
The other side of the problem is even more alarming: the progression of bacterial resistance. According to the report, those for 3rd generation cephalosporins (C3G) and fluoroquinolones continue to increase.
In hospitals and nursing homes, this resistance complicates patient care. In the city, the situation is just as worrying: resistance to fluoroquinolones has been growing relentlessly since 2018.
For pharmacists, this observation is a warning signal. “ Every misused antibiotic is an open door for resistant bacteria », Warns a hospital pharmacist.
Campaigns to support and raise awareness
Aware of the issue, Public Health France has strengthened its awareness campaigns. For 2024, pharmacists are at the heart of the actions planned with:
– training to improve the prescription and use of rapid tests;
– educational materials to help them raise awareness among their patients.
The work of pharmacists does not stop at direct prevention. By promoting barrier gestures, vaccination (Covid-19, flu, RSV for infants), or by providing information on hygiene measures, they indirectly contribute to reducing infections requiring antibiotic treatment.
A collective fight
Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge. According to The Lancet, it caused 1.14 million deaths in 2021 and is estimated to be associated with 4.71 million deaths. Faced with this threat, pharmacists are key players, but they cannot act alone.
Their role is central, but it must be part of a broader strategy involving doctors, veterinarians, institutions and citizens. Every action counts, whether it is following a prescription, limiting self-medication or getting vaccinated.
