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Comment by classichasclass | Hacker News Reader

Counterexample: what about antibiotics? There are negative externalities to their inappropriate use (yes, there are plenty of stories about the infections that were missed, but that has a lot of selection bias). There are countries that allow their use over the counter. Is that a good thing?

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But antibiotics in the US are still over prescribed by doctors. There really are few cases for them for the mostly healthy adult; and they wreak havoc on your microbiome for what we're finding out is years. I know many people who will get antibiotics prescribed when they have a common cold (mostly a virus).

They're also under prescribed for things like appendicitis.

Yes. You can order a significant variety of antibiotics over the counter / web in the US. I have 2 Z-Paks, a bottle of Amoxicillin and a bottle of Doxycycline sitting in my medical drawer. You can order them legally via US based online pharmacies. If you are an adult you should have the freedom to treat yourself. Freedom does not absolve you of responsibility though. If I mess myself up I have no one to blame but myself.

I can't agree with you there, because if you're treating with the wrong dose or for the wrong length of time, you run the risk of making that infection resistant. For communicable illnesses, that can be a risk for others. But I appreciate your honesty.

I should also add that those pharmacies, if they are based on the United States, invariably have a licensed provider in there signing off (they would be illegal otherwise).

I don't think either of us is wrong and I appreciate your viewpoint. Often ones opinion on these sorts of things depends on where on the sliding scale you stand with regard to the individuals duty to society and vice versa. What I always find interesting in these conversations is that often the position on the the scale differs by topic but such is human nature, we all have our personal pet areas of importance. I am sure there are topics where you and I would switch sides as to individual vs personal responsibility. Its what keeps life interesting :)

Regarding the licensed provider, you are absolutely correct, I always get an email signed by whatever doctor works with the site. Its a rubber stamp but its does provide legality.

I don't know about op but I've heard the veterinarian versions of antibiotics are widely available. Who knows on the quality control

I believe many obtained ivermectin through similar channels despite it being a prescription drug

OP here, i only order from human sites :)

Ivermectin is available there as well. Never tried it though. Actually thinking of taking a mild course though. Why not?

In the United States, at least, veterinary preparations are broadly manufactured to the same standard (some veterinary drugs are relabeled stock originally manufactured for human use, even). Dosing and concentrations may differ, however.

Could you share some of those sites? I have chronic sinus infections and I'm so tired of having to go to the doctor to get the same antibiotic rx I've gotten 20 times before.

I see no way to DM on this site, so public it is.

No association with it but have used it multiple times.

https://allfamilypharmacy.com/

Mods if this is not ok, my apologies

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