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Adverse event reporting can be found at the bottom of the page
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Information on how to access prescribing information and adverse event reporting can be found at the bottom of the page.
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is an approach aimed at promoting sensible use of antimicrobials, in an effort to preserve their future effectiveness.1,2 In clinical practice, stewardship translates as coordinated action to improve the use of anti-infectives and measure its appropriateness.1
The overarching goal of AMS is 3-fold:3
The principles of AMS are based on Public Health England’s ‘Start Smart – Then Focus’ guide, first published in 2011 and last updated in 2015, with information on implementing a stewardship programme, prescribing guidelines, and quality assurance measures.4 However, the toolkit was developed for broad antimicrobial use, without guidance specific to antifungal stewardship.
The terms ‘antimicrobial’ and ‘antibacterial’ are often used interchangeably, particularly in the context of resistance and stewardship. However, it’s important to note that antimicrobial is an umbrella term that covers all anti-infective therapies, including antivirals, antifungals, antibiotics, and antiparasitics.1,5
| Antibacterial stewardship | Antifungals | |
|---|---|---|
| Target drug | Antibiotics | Antifungals |
| Setting | Primary and secondary care | Mainly secondary care |
| Specialities involved | All |
Few
|
| Typical drug use | Treatment or single-dose prophylaxis | Prolonged prophylaxis and treatment |
| Drug availability and cost | Many drugs, £-££s | Fewer drugs, ££-£££s |
| Resistance | Increasing multi-drug resistance | Mainly single-drug resistance |
| Pharmacokinetics |
Less complex
|
Complex • Many drug interactions and contraindications • TDM required (for certain azoles) |
| Funding stream | National tariff | No national tariff (exempt from payment by results) |
At Pfizer, we have a long-standing commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance, collaborating with the NHS and other stakeholders. We support an extensive range of initiatives that go beyond the sale of our medicines, including public awareness and educational programmes, education of healthcare professionals, responsible commercial and manufacturing activities, and investment in surveillance programmes.
ABS, antibacterial stewardship; AFS, antifungal stewardship; AMS, antimicrobial stewardship; PHE, Public Health England; TDM, therapeutic drug monitoring.
Prescribing Information:
Click here for CRESEMBA® (isavuconazole) prescribing information
Click here here for Zavicefta® (ceftazidime and avibactam) prescribing information
Click here for Zinforo® (ceftaroline fosamil) prescribing information
References:
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search
for MHRA Yellow Card in Google Play or Apple App Store
Adverse events should also be reported to Pfizer Medical Information on 01304 616161
To access further materials, resources and receive communication about medicines and vaccines promoted by Pfizer.
This site is intended only for healthcare professionals resident in the United Kingdom. If you are a member of the public wishing to access information on a specific medicine, please visit www.medicines.org.uk/emc
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These pages are not intended for patients or for members of the general public. The healthcare professional web pages contain promotional content.
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PP-UNP-GBR-7812. January 2024