These new data underscore the importance of using antibiotics prudently and appropriately, given the risk of developing resistant bacteria—known as antibiotic resistance—that results from overuse. While nearly 9 out of 10 antibiotics are dispensed in the outpatient sector, Santé publique France, the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the National Health Insurance will launch their prevention campaign in December, titled “Antibiotics: Proper Treatment Starts with Proper Use,” with the goal of raising awareness about their proper use and helping to reduce their consumption among the general population.

Antibiotic prescriptions and consumption rise for the second consecutive year in 2022

Each year, Santé publique France produces indicators to estimate trends in antibiotic consumption and prescriptions in the outpatient sector.

Following a significant decline in antibiotic prescriptions in 2020, coinciding with measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic (lockdowns, adoption of preventive measures, and a decline in medical consultations) and a lower incidence of certain infections, the years 2021 and 2022 saw a resurgence of common winter infections, medical consultations, and antibiotic prescriptions, particularly during their final quarters.

Antibiotic prescriptions and consumption increased in 2022 at a faster rate than in 2021, by 16.6% and 14.0%, respectively. However, the levels observed remain slightly below those of 2019.

High consumption among children

Antibiotic prescriptions and consumption vary significantly depending on the patient’s age and gender. Specifically, we observe:

• Higher consumption than in 2019 among children aged 0 to 4; antibiotic prescriptions are highest in this age group and exceed those of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

• A very sharp increase in consumption in 2022 (+41.8% compared to 2021) among children aged 5 to 14. Consumption and prescriptions reached in 2022 the levels observed in 2019.

• Higher antibiotic consumption among women than among men in the 15- to 64-year-old age group.

• Higher antibiotic consumption among men aged 65 and older, whereas prescriptions in this age group are more common among women.

• Prescriptions increased moderately among those aged 80 and older living in urban areas and in nursing homes between 2021 and 2022.

A campaign to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics

Starting December 1, 2023, Santé publique France is relaunching the campaign “Antibiotics: Proper Treatment Starts with Proper Use.” This campaign, which will appear on TV, in print, on the radio, and on posters in healthcare providers’ waiting rooms, aims to raise awareness about the proper use of antibiotics. It reminds the public that antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and should be taken only under medical supervision.