Utah clinics winning the fight against overprescribed antibiotics

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah clinics are winning the fight against superbugs, all while avoiding overprescribed antibiotics. 

A new program has reduced the over-prescription of antibiotics by 15%

The program, studied by Intermountain Health and the University of Utah Health, found that urgent-care facilities are more likely to prescribe antibiotics as a faster and easier solution to sicknesses.

Intermountain Healthcare Dr. Eddie Stenehjem said vigilance is necessary. 

“It’s better care for the patient and the fact that antibiotics are not a benign drug,” said Stenehjem. “These are drugs have side effects and those side effects can be quite severe.”

He said that overuse of antibiotics can lead to rashes, facial and throat swelling and antibiotic resistance, rendering the medication useless against bacteria.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 28% of prescriptions for antibiotics are unnecessary.

“If we continue to over-prescribe and overuse antibiotics, we’re going to be developing drug-resistant infections,” said Stenehjem

Related: New study shows dangers of overprescribed antibiotics