Antibiotic prescriptions in Bremen: A worrying trend!

In recent years, the prescription behavior of antibiotics in Germany has changed significantly. Bremen doctors have been prescribing antibiotics more often since Corona pandemic, a development that is concerned with concern by the health insurance companies. This reports butunbinnen.de .

In 2023, all statutory health insurance companies reported an increase in antibiotic prescriptions compared to the years of Corona pandemic. In the case of AOK insured persons, the increase was even over a third more antibiotic packaging compared to 2019. Before pandemic, there was a significant decline in prescriptions, which is due to mask obligation, less social contacts and improved hygiene.

increase in prescriptions and resistance

The increase in antibiotic prescriptions is not only evident in Bremen, but is also a Germany -wide phenomenon. Bremen occupies the total number of prescriptions in midfield. It is interesting that reserve antibiotics in Bremen are mostly prescribed in the country comparison. These special drugs are intended for use if common antibiotics no longer work. Jürgen Peter, chairman of the AOK Lower Saxony, urgently warned of a prudent prescription practice to avoid the development of resistance.

In addition to the information from Bremen, a current analysis of antibiotic consumption has been indicated by an overall decline in antibiotic regulations, which has been interrupted since 2022. Helmut Schröder, managing director of the AOK scientific institute, expresses concern about the increase in reserve antibiotics. These should only be used under strict indications, especially if a multi -resistant pathogen.

In 2023, a total of 15.7 million reserve antibiotics were prescribed in Germany, which corresponds to an increase of 21 percent compared to the previous year. Schröder emphasizes that the reserved use of reserve antibiotics has not yet been consistently succeeded, which could further exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance. Further information can be found on aok.de .