In the latest current healthcare news, there is a bid to allow antibiotics to treat humans, which would lessen drug resistance, according to the US FDA. There has been a recent ban on a variety of cephalosporins in a variety of animals that produce foods. Last Wednesday, the FDA stated that on April 5th, 2012, the prohibition intends to be realized. Basically, the ban will be extended in order to quell what the group calls "extra label" cephalosporins in pigs, turkeys, chickens, and cattle.
The use of a variety of antibiotics in the aforementioned animals, whether used to prevent diseases, to diminish growth, or for a variety of treatments will let bacteria that might otherwise be resistant develop from the animals and spread to humans. Cephalosporins belong to one class of antimicrobial drugs that can be used to counteract infections in different areas of the body, namely lungs, ears, throat, skin, and sinuses. They can certainly be seen as more effective than penicillin for a majority of patients. Furthermore, many doctors are prescribing them for treating various diseases, some of which include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and tissue infections. In the event that the cephalosporin is proved ineffective, doctors have to call on other drugs that may have more grave or potentially deadly side effects. The idea then is to stop this kind of excessive implementation of antibiotics that serve as an impediment of regulatory preventative measures for disease.
The "substantial public comment" has reflected a ban that has been received in a similar manner, but of course it was revoked nearly right away. The newest ban is less of a general blanket ban, and it specifies that it will in no way jeopardize public health. The major energy behind the ban has to do with allowing cephalosporins to be used for treatment options in humans. A move of this nature, if it is carried out effectively, will allow for bacterial pathogens to be dealt with appropriately. It will also be possible to prescribe cephalosporins to specific animals, namely rabbits or ducks.
The ban will not diminish the use of cephapirin, an older version of the drug, which has been known to not dramatically affect antibiotic resistance. Moreover, veterinarians will be given the ability to use cephalosporins in certain circumstances, especially if it means that they will be used in food-producing animals in a limited manner. Making sure that the duration, dose, and frequency is followed as described on the label, there should be no severe issues using cephalosporins. The latest in healthcare today shows many trends that have been following this ban, and there is now an opportunity for the public to make comments and respond to the recent prohibition; however, those interested only have until March 6th, 2012 to voice their concerns. In order to follow through on this, he or she should visit http://www.regulations.gov to carry out their inquiries. The federal agency promises to review comments before it potentially comes into effect on April 5th.
