Requests for 'Just in Case' Antibiotics for Infection
Why we do not prescribe antibiotics to keep “just in case”
We understand that some patients may ask for a supply of antibiotics to take with them when travelling or to keep at home in case they develop an infection.
However, we no longer routinely prescribe antibiotics in this way. There are several important reasons for this.
Why can’t I have antibiotics in advance?
1. It is not an NHS service
Our NHS prescribing arrangements do not cover prescribing medication solely in anticipation of an illness that has not occurred, including medication requested to take abroad “just in case” you become unwell.
2. It can contribute to antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics should only be used when they are clinically needed. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily or taking them for an infection they are not suitable for, contributes to antibiotic resistance. This means that antibiotics may become less effective when they are genuinely needed.
3. The antibiotic may not be the right treatment
If you develop an infection, the most appropriate treatment will depend on your symptoms, your medical history and, where appropriate, a urine sample.
The antibiotic that would have been appropriate for a previous infection may not be the right antibiotic for a future infection. Taking an unsuitable antibiotic may not treat the infection and could delay you seeking appropriate medical advice.
4. It may not be safe without an assessment
Before prescribing an antibiotic, a clinician needs sufficient information about your current health and symptoms. Prescribing an antibiotic without assessing the illness that is actually occurring may not be safe.
The General Medical Council (GMC) advises that doctors should only prescribe medicines when they have adequate knowledge of the patient's health and are satisfied that the treatment meets the patient's needs.
5. It can lead to unnecessary waste
Antibiotics prescribed “just in case” may never be needed and can expire before they are used. Unused antibiotics should not be kept for future illnesses or given to someone else.
What should I do if I develop symptoms of an infection?
If you develop symptoms of an infection, you should seek medical advice rather than using leftover or previously prescribed antibiotics.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, you may be advised to:
- have a clinical assessment;
- provide a urine sample;
- receive advice about managing your symptoms; or
- have an appropriate antibiotic prescribed if one is clinically indicated.
If you are travelling abroad, please remember that you can seek medical advice locally if you become unwell. If you have a significant or worsening illness, you should not delay seeking medical attention because you have antibiotics with you.
What about UTIs that happen after sexual intercourse?
There is a specific exception for some patients who experience recurrent UTIs that are reliably linked to sexual intercourse.
In these circumstances, a clinician may consider a specific treatment or prevention strategy, which is different from providing a full course of antibiotics to keep “just in case”.
This requires an appropriate clinical assessment to determine whether this approach is suitable for you.
Our approach to antibiotics
We appreciate that this policy may be frustrating, particularly if you have previously been given antibiotics to take with you.
Our aim is to prescribe antibiotics safely, appropriately and only when they are clinically indicated. This protects you from unnecessary treatment and helps preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for everyone.
Further guidance
Our prescribing approach is consistent with local prescribing guidance and professional standards, including guidance from Surrey & Sussex ICB and the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC guidance states that clinicians must have adequate information about a patient's health before prescribing and must consider whether an appropriate assessment can be made, including when prescribing remotely or when a patient is overseas.