Boyd, Sara Elizabeth 
ORCID: 0000-0001-9935-5263, Zhu, Nina, Whitney, Laura, Surya, Rohan, Holmes, Alison Helen ORCID: 0000-0001-5554-5743 and Ahmad, Raheelah
(2024)
Online availability of antibiotics from within the UK: shifting patterns from 2016 to 2023.
The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 79 (12).
dkae341-dkae341.
ISSN 0305-7453, 1460-2091
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>We previously reported a cross-sectional analysis of online pharmacy practices and processes. Since then, the demand for and context of online healthcare has changed. However, the current state of access to and usage of antibiotics obtained online remains poorly understood.<h4>Objectives</h4>This study aimed to: (i) determine the legality of online pharmacies selling antibiotics in the UK; (ii) describe processes for obtaining antibiotics online; (iii) identify antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and patient safety issues; and (iv) compare data with those obtained in 2016 to understand changes in context, and set priorities for targeted research in antibiotic access and usage.<h4>Methods</h4>Searches for 'buy antibiotics online' were conducted using 'Google' and 'Yahoo'. The first 10 websites with unique URL addresses for each were reviewed. Analyses were conducted on evidence of pharmacy registration, prescription requirement, whether choice was 'prescriber-driven' or 'consumer-driven', and whether information was required (allergies, comorbidities, pregnancy) or given (adverse effects) prior to purchase.<h4>Results</h4>Twenty unique URL addresses were analysed. Those evidencing UK location (n = 20; 100%) required a prescription and were appropriately registered. For 11 (55%) online pharmacies, decisions were initially consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, but not for dose or duration; contrasting with 2016 when for most (n = 16; 80%), decisions were consumer-driven for antibiotic choice, dose and quantity.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Variation continues to exist in relation to antibiotic practices online. We make several key recommendations for lawmakers and stakeholders. Targeted research, improved public engagement, professional education and new best practice guidelines are urgently needed for online UK antibiotic suppliers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Humans, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Cross-Sectional Studies, Internet, Patient Safety, Pharmaceutical Services, Online, United Kingdom, Antimicrobial Stewardship |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Medicine Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Nov 2024 11:27 |
| Last Modified: | 21 Dec 2024 03:01 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/jac/dkae341 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkae341 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3187195 |
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