Tag: Overprescribing

According to the CDC, about one-third of antibiotic use in people is not needed or appropriate [1.3.3]. This statistic highlights a critical question: how often is too much to take antibiotics, and what are the consequences of overuse? [1.3.3]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medication errors harm an estimated 1.5 million Americans annually. Yes, a doctor can prescribe too much medication, a dangerous form of medical negligence that can lead to adverse drug events, dangerous drug interactions, dependency, and even death.

According to a 2024 CDC report, over 255 million outpatient oral antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed in the U.S., many unnecessarily. This complicates the question of **what is the most overprescribed drug**, highlighting that several medication classes are commonly overused, often with significant consequences.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year in the United States, making it one of the world's most pressing public health problems. This alarming statistic is a primary reason why you might be asking: **Why won't my doctor prescribe me antibiotics?**. The decision isn't arbitrary; it is based on crucial medical principles and the global fight against antibiotic resistance.

In the United States, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur each year, leading to over 35,000 deaths [1.4.3, 1.4.5]. This staggering statistic is a key reason **why do doctors not like giving antibiotics** unless absolutely necessary, as overuse drives this public health crisis.

Research indicates that approximately 42% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications daily, a situation that significantly contributes to what is overprescribing and medication overload. This practice can lead to serious health complications and reduce overall wellness.