Parker Waichman LLP

Hospital Use of Antibiotics Rise

  U.S. Hospitals Over Use Of Antibiotics. Although many experts are seriously concerned about the rise in bacterial resistant infections,  antibiotic use at U.S. hospitals continues to mount.  Researchers blame Wyeth’s Zosyn and the older drug vancomycin for leading the movement in such antibiotic overuse. Yesterday, Ronald Polk of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and colleagues […]

Antibiotics

 

U.S. Hospitals Over Use Of Antibiotics. Although many experts are seriously concerned about the rise in bacterial resistant infections,  antibiotic use at U.S. hospitals continues to mount.  Researchers blame Wyeth’s Zosyn and the older drug vancomycin for leading the movement in such antibiotic overuse.

Yesterday, Ronald Polk of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and colleagues reported in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine that antibiotic use at a group of U.S. academic medical centers rose seven percent in the years from 2002 to 2006.  “We know from past experience that when we start using any antimicrobial drug excessively, that resistance to that drug eventually appears,” Polk said.  “Given the fact that there are very few new antimicrobial drugs being discovered, the message is that we really need to learn how to use the available drugs better.”

The researchers tracked data on anti-bacterial drugs at 22 hospitals nationwide over the full five years and, in 2006, based on the data from 35 such university teaching hospitals, they found that 64 percent of all patients received one antibiotic dose.  This rise in antibiotic abuse is alarming experts who note that drugs that once killed the germs no longer do so.  This means an illness may last longer and be more likely to be fatal.  Another downfall is that health care costs increase when infections are not cured with established antibiotic treatments.  Worse, resistance to drugs can render those medications useless.

Bacterial Infections

The researchers noted that both Wyeth’s Zosyn—generically known as piperacillin-tazobactam—rose 84 percent from 2002 to 2006 at the hospitals studied.  Also, the use of vancomycin rose 43 percent in the same time frame at the hospitals studies, according to the research.  Both piperacillin-tazobactam and vancomycin were used to treat a wide array of bacterial infections.  The study indicated that other antibiotic use remained stable.

Also, while overuse of antibiotics continues to remain a major concern to many public health experts, documentation of antibiotic overuse at U.S. hospitals has been challenging to obtain and continuing to increase.  Polk said the findings likely reflect nationwide trends and said that hospitals should be more judicious in their use of antibiotics.  For instance, Polk suggests that antibiotics are only prescribed to patients when absolutely necessary.  Polk also suggests that hospitals adopt “stewardship programs” in order to ensure prudent use of antibiotic medications.  “It’s easy to get into a mind-set of just using them for any trivial condition,” Polk said. “We are undoubtedly overusing these drugs.  But having a positive impact on that trend of overuse is a tough thing to do.”

Patients must understand that when it comes to antibiotics, less is often better, Polk said, calling the problem cyclical.  More bacterial resistance to one drug leads to use of other drugs, thus causing more resistance to those drugs.

And, now, antibiotic resistance is seen in staph— methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—antibiotic resistant E. coli, and antibiotic resistant C. diff, to name just a few.

Need Legal Help Regarding Antibiotics?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I am a 911 first responder.iwas at the end of my rope feeling hopeless ! After speaking with Parker and waickman.i had a paralegal Ashley Lopilato Hanging my case .she was there for me every step of the way .from start To finish.even during my battle with cancer and 3 surgeries.for legal and moral support In my opinion she will make an excellent litagaor one day and be an asset to any firm . We met the other day after countless phone calls .and needless to say she immediately Made me feel like I was in good Hands ! BRAVO Ashley And a special thanks to Gina viti .thank you ladies for always giving me hope And my future to look forward for thanks to you . With my warmest regards Joe ader
joseph ader
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great law firm, no complaints...If you want to win, look no further!
rolando velez
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I have been very happy with Parker Waichman's help with my 9/11 claim. I called after seeing a commercial and the law firm sent an investigator to my home to help me sign up, it was very easy. My paralegal Christina Morace always called me to keep me updated and checked on me throughout the whole waiting process for my compensation. I am very happy with all of her help and I would definitely recommend this law firm to my friends and family. Thank you Christina and Parker Waichman!
Armando Henry
3 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038