Battling antimicrobial resistance by complying with prescribed medication

MANILA, Philippines - The call to comply with prescribed medications, particularly antimicrobials or antibiotics, has never been more emphasized today, what with the escalating cases of illnesses worldwide attributed to the so-called “antimicrobial resistance.”

Antimicrobials  the umbrella term for antibiotics and similar drugs  are medicines used to treat infections caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, antifungals, antiparasitic medicines, and antivirals. 

Antimicrobial resistance or drug resistance occurs when microorganisms change in ways that render medications ineffective. Though not a new problem, antimicrobial resistance is a growing cause of global concern as infections resistant to antimicrobials have been noted to cause deaths, greater suffering and disability, and higher healthcare costs.

Pharex HealthCorp, one of the country’s pioneers in generic medicines, leads the fight against antimicrobial resistance with an aggressive advocacy campaign aimed at encouraging patients to adhere to prescribed medication to combat antimicrobial resistance.  

Tomas Marcelo Agana III, president of Pharex HealthCorp.

“As a pioneer in uni-branded medicines, Pharex has always placed the well-being of the Filipino patient first and foremost, by providing the best yet affordable healthcare. The Masunurin campaign is a testament to Pharex’s unwavering dedication to protect the health of our customers and our concrete commitment to support the battle against antimicrobial resistance,” says Tomas Marcelo Agana III, president of Pharex HealthCorp.

Antimicrobial resistance is attributed to inappropriate use of antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs. This usually happens when a patient takes inappropriate doses or does not finish a prescribed course of treatment. Use of low-quality medicines, wrong prescriptions and poor infection control also encourage the development and spread of drug resistance.

Non-adherence to prescribed antimicrobial medication can have fatal consequences. Since harmful bacteria remain in the body, the microbes develop resistance against any antimicrobial medication and may cause recurrence of infection or complications in the treatment of infectious diseases in the future.  

Most patients cite economic reasons for not being able to purchase the full dose as prescribed. Others would resort to taking leftover antibiotics or purchasing over-the-counter drugs without proper prescription, thinking that the same could also provide the same efficacy as with prescribed medication. It has also been noted that patients stop taking their medication once they feel better, or when fever and respiratory symptoms are alleviated.

“With Pharex’s Masunurin advocacy campaign, Filipinos are reminded to always adhere to antibiotic therapy. And beyond that, patients are given a cost-effective and convenient way to comply with their antimicrobial treatment via the Pharex Masunurin Value Pack (Pharex MVP),” notes Dr. Amado Nazal, Pharex HealthCorp. medical director.

The Pharex Masunurin Value Pack contains first-line antibiotics re-packaged in a specially-designed foil pack to make adherence to antimicrobial therapy easier and more convenient to patients.

The Pharex MVP revolutionizes existing patient compliance packs available on the market today. The company’s first-line antibiotics, Amoxicillin, Cefalexin, Ciprofloxacin, and Cloxacillin, have been re-packaged in a specially-designed foil pack to make adherence to antimicrobial therapy easier and more convenient to patients. 

Each Pharex MVP is a complete five-day treatment program for mild to moderate infections. The Pharex MVP provides the complete treatment in a convenient, pocket-sized foil pack. With its new, resealable foil packaging with Zip-lock, patients can carry their antibotics more conveniently wherever they go. Pharex MVP also gives high quality, effective and affordable Pharex medicines that are 25 to 50-percent lower the regular selling price of the products. This guarantees that patients are able to purchase the full dosage as prescribed.

Full consumption of the Pharex MVP not only ensures consistency in treatment and eventual recovery but also provides a cost-effective treatment. Adhering to antimicrobial medication also helps shorten the duration of illness and even reduces the possibility of hospitalization.     

 With the Pharex Masunurin advocacy campaign through its Pharex Masunurin Value Pack, the generics pioneer aims to educate Filipinos on the importance of compliance with medication as an effective defense against antimicrobial resistance, while helping them achieve longer, more improved health.