Back to the 1960s - Who can prescribe?

polymaff

Is this true?

I recently asked my GP practice for some Metronidazole - for a gum problem.  They told me that doctors can no longer prescribe this drug - only dentists.

It sounds like there has been a demarcation dispute.  Took me back to the industrial demarcation disputes of the 1960s.

And, just like then, the loser is the public.

brook2jack2

No it's because doctors are not trained in oral medicine and it is outside their scope of expertise . Their defence organisations recommend that they do not treat dental problems as they are not trained to do so. https://www.themdu.com/guidance-and-advice/guides/treating-patients-with-dental-problems

Torry_Quine

It makes sense that a dentist is the person to see with a gum problem. They will decide what medicine is needed. 

Toothsmith

I believe GPs wouldn't prescribe stuff for your pet either.

They'd tell you to go to a Vet.

Your right - It's just like the Peter Seller's film, I'm All Right Jack!

polymaff

Yes, I expected to find that fear of litigation was at the root of this insanity.

Fortunately I hold stock of an alternative antibiotic.

Floss

polymaff said:

Yes, I expected to find that fear of litigation was at the root of this insanity.

Fortunately I hold stock of an alternative antibiotic.

No, it is that GPs are not trained in oral care - that speciality is Dentistry 🙄

Toothsmith

polymaff said:

Yes, I expected to find that fear of litigation was at the root of this insanity.

Fortunately I hold stock of an alternative antibiotic.

You obviously know best. 

polymaff

Ah, another demarcation dispute.

brook2jack2

Antibiotic resistance is , according to the WHO and Englands chief medical officer , a cataclysm waiting to happen. 

Already there are many diseases and infections which are now resistant to treatment by most antibiotics. 

All doctors and dentists are signed up to be antibiotic guardians to try to keep these lifesaving drugs effective. 

Antibiotics are not the way to treat gum infections . All you will do is suppress the symptoms for a while. Seeing a dentist/hygienist having treatment and taking their advice is how to treat gum infections , if that is what it is . 

Taking random antibiotics from a stock you hold without knowing is this a gram negative or positive infection , aerobic or anaerobic etc is a perfect way to increase your susceptibility to anti biotic resistant infections. 

Longwalker

brook2jack2 said:

Antibiotic resistance is , according to the WHO and Englands chief medical officer , a cataclysm waiting to happen. 

Already there are many diseases and infections which are now resistant to treatment by most antibiotics. 

All doctors and dentists are signed up to be antibiotic guardians to try to keep these lifesaving drugs effective. 

Antibiotics are not the way to treat gum infections . All you will do is suppress the symptoms for a while. Seeing a dentist/hygienist having treatment and taking their advice is how to treat gum infections , if that is what it is . 

Taking random antibiotics from a stock you hold without knowing is this a gram negative or positive infection , aerobic or anaerobic etc is a perfect way to increase your susceptibility to anti biotic resistant infections. 

No point trying to educate someone who has a stock of antibiotics 

Like WTH keeps antibiotics in the first aid kit? The few times Ive HAD to take antibiotics its a short course, finish them and thats it so how does someone get a stock of them in the first place? They arent sweeties 

polymaff

brook2jack2 said:

Antibiotic resistance is , according ...

Good points.  In the end - with your points already in my mind - I actually used a saline mouth wash to clear the problem.