54
EDITIOn Nº
Antibiotic consumption
is declining in Portugal
Antibiotic consumption is declining in Portugal since 2016. Between january and april 2017, 2,847,560 packages of antibiotics were used in outpatient care, dropping 143,663 (4.8%) since the same period of 2016.
Regarding to quinolones, which are the antibiotics related to the highest resistance percentage, the data is even better, since there was a reduction of 17569 packages in the same period, with a consumption of 282,742.
This trend is similar in hospital care. The number of doses fell by 3.75% to 1,524,591, and regarding to carbapenems, which are relevant for high severity infections, the reduction was even higher (13.4%), for a total of 108,267 doses.
EC Plan of action presents 75 measures
Against antimicrobial resistance
The European Commission adopted an action plan to fight antimicrobial resistance. This plan is not limited to the human environment, covering also the same problem in animals.
The document provides more than 75 measures in three pillars - Making the EU a region of good practices; Promoting research & development and innovation and setting the world agenda. Legislative updates in this area, the exchange of ideas concerning innovative products and the incentive for research and cooperation with the developing countries that are most affected by this problem are some of these measures.
Antibiotics are essential for treating common diseases and for preventing infections. But their excessive and uncontrolled use can make them less effective. The costs related to antimicrobial resistance amount to 1.5 billion euros and the number of deaths related to these infections is estimated in 25 thousand every year.
The INFARMED has always supported measures and public actions to promote the responsible use of the existing antibiotics. That is one of the reasons for sharing the latest European Comission Video related to antimicrobial resistance.
INFARMED participated in the Ministry of Health
meeting in Pedrógão Grande
The INFARMED participated in a meeting with other public health leaders in Pedrógão Grande on the 4th of july. This meeting was hosted by the Health State Secretary, Professor Fernando Araújo and was aimed to coordinate the actions following the big forest fires from the end of june.
There are several health structures working on the ground, using existing resources to identify needs, and supporting population through the immediate cooperation of dozens of professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health technicians. There are also local structures and mobile units to ensure health care access for isolated people.
The INFARMED will support this plan through established connections with partners from the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacies, who offered their resources in this context of emergency and assistance to the affected population.
Prescriptions for the flu vaccine
will be valid until 31st december
Prescriptions for the flu vaccine will be valid until 31st December 2017, a decision already taken in the previous year.
According to the legislation published on the 4th of july, the dilation of the period will avoid possible constraints in the health services, as it is expected a large number of patients in a short time period.
Taking into account the positive results from 2016, the Ministry of Health has determined that the vaccines prescribed from the 1st July on will be valid until the end of the year.
Infographic informs citizens
about the risks and benefits of valproate
The INFARMED published an infographic related to the use of valproate and valproic acid during pregnancy. The benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks, but its use should be carefully and quickly evaluated during pregnancy.
These substances can cause severe malformations in babies and affect their development.
The medicines containing these substances are intended for use in epilepsy and bipolar disorder, as well as in the prevention of migraine.
Pregnancy in women who use these drugs should be planned in order to ensure the control of these diseases. If there is already a pregnancy - or a suspicion - the treatment should only be immediately interrupted in cases of migraine prevention.
In other diseases - bipolar and epilepsy - the treatment should not be stopped. This decision must be taken by the doctor, who should schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
INFARMED – Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde, I.P.
Parque de Saúde de Lisboa - Avenida do Brasil, 53, 1749-004 Lisboa - Portugal
Telef: +351 217 987 100 | Fax: +351 217 987 316 | E-mail: Infarmed@Infarmed.pt