I'll admit it. I've been on antibiotics a few times and didn't finish the prescription. And all I remember from the doctor and pharmacist is them telling me to finish taking them even if I feel better. But later when I learned why, I seriously wondered why they don't tell you why it is so important to finish the bottle and how antibiotics are becoming a problem in making bacteria stronger.
If you don't finish the prescription, you may not kill all the bacteria and you may get sick again. The bacteria still alive can then become resistant, worsening the infection you already have, and making it harder to treat.
Why didn't they hand out neat pamphlets with pictures describing how this happens. With the bacteria being green squiggly balls with red eyes and sharp teeth and the antibiotics being happy blue balls. I just don't remember the doctor or pharmacy guy ever summing up quickly even why you need to finish the bottle. And so I wouldn't because I felt better.
I do now though.
Found something here. This looks pretty good.
If you don't finish the prescription, you may not kill all the bacteria and you may get sick again. The bacteria still alive can then become resistant, worsening the infection you already have, and making it harder to treat.
Why didn't they hand out neat pamphlets with pictures describing how this happens. With the bacteria being green squiggly balls with red eyes and sharp teeth and the antibiotics being happy blue balls. I just don't remember the doctor or pharmacy guy ever summing up quickly even why you need to finish the bottle. And so I wouldn't because I felt better.
I do now though.
Found something here. This looks pretty good.