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Pharmacist FAQ

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Answers from
The Pharmacists
America Trusts
SM

Topic: Drugs, Compliance
Question: If I feel better after taking my antibiotic for only a few days, is it OK to stop taking it and not finish the whole prescription?

Answer:To be effective and do the job they were intended to do, antibiotics must be taken for the full course of therapy prescribed by your doctor. If you stop the medication early—even if you are feeling better—some bacteria may survive and could come back even stronger. The bacteria that survived can then become resistant to the antibiotic, worsen the infection you already have, and make it harder to treat. Be sure you finish taking all the medication on the schedule prescribed by your doctor. If you are experiencing any side effects from the medication, contact your doctor and discuss the matter. There may be a different medication that can be prescribed for you.

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View the Walgreens.com Pharmacist FAQ Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Walgreens' terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local Walgreens pharmacist or call a Walgreens.com pharmacist toll-free at 1-877-250-5823.