NEWARK, N.J., Jan 11, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Stores in New Jersey offering
free antibiotics say they're not concerned the program could be abused by people
who don't need the medication.
Stop & Shop, Wegman's and Shoprite stores this month began giving away
antibiotics to customers with a prescription, The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger
reported Sunday.
"People are coming from everywhere," said Shilvanti Patel, a pharmacist at Stop
& Shop. "Even doctors are calling to find out about the program."
Public health experts say people who don't actually need antibiotics may press
their doctors for a prescription just because the medication is free.
"It's outrageous," said Stuart Levy, a drug researcher and the author of "The
Antibiotic Paradox." "We've been trying to curb overuse of antibiotics for
years."
Jo Natale, a spokeswoman for Wegman's, said her company did consider the issue
of antibiotic overuse and decided to "trust that physicians will only prescribe
medications when they are needed."
The free-antibiotics trend started in 2006 in Michigan with the Meijer store
chain and since has been picked up by chains in numerous other states.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International