The Drugs Don't Work - A Global Threat

by Sally C. Davies

Antibiotics add, on average, twenty years to our lives. For over seventy years, since the manufacture of penicillin in 1943, we have survived extraordinary operations and life threatening conditions. We are so familiar with these wonder drugs that we take them for granted. The truth is that we have been abusing them, as patients, as doctors, as travellers, in our food.

No new class of antibacterial has been discovered for over twenty-six years and the bugs are fighting back. If we do not take responsibility now, in a few decades we may start dying from the most commonplace of operations and ailments that can today be treated easily.

This penguin special, by Professor Dame Sally C. Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, is vital in raising awareness for the future health of out children and our grandchildren.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Medicine, Medical, Health

97 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Professor Dame Sally Davies is the Chief Medical Officer for England. She is a haematologist with specialist research interest in sickle cell disease. But in her advisory post she guides government decisions on diverse subjects such as superbugs, drug trials and obesity. She developed the National Institute for Health Research in 2006 with a budget of £1 billion. She is an Emeritus Professor at Imperial College.

Reviews

[Aurélien Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invaluable little book with a crucial message: our abuse of antibiotics is dangerous, as it brings forth the evolution of superbugs; with all the terrible consequences that will ensue.

It's accessible, yet detailed enough to clearly understand the issue surrounding infectious diseases and our means to fight them. It's also, despite the gloom of its central warning, quite optimistic - the authors believing, for example, in the possibility of international consensus in order to better regulate antibiotics use. Are they right or naïve on that point? The reader will judge. In any case, it's a must read for whoever wants to understand why our wonder drugs are not to be taken for granted.

Spread the message! The future of our health depends upon it.

[Mihaela Sorlea Tentis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but informative! An essential read I would say.

[Brian Clegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Penguin Special, a deliberately slim book that gets across a single point with devastating effect. Sally Davies (I really can't call her 'Professor Dame' like the cover does - it makes her sound like a character from a pantomime) ought to know what she's talking about when it comes to antibiotics, as she is the Chief Medical Officer for England.

We start with a stark little story of life in the 2040s when all the antibiotics have failed and even what appears to be a harmless throat infection could result in isolation and death. Davies then takes us swiftly through the history of antibiotics and the various nasties we have to face up against.

In case it's not obvious by now, the theme is that our over-use of antibiotics is resulting in growing resistance building up in more and more diseases. At the same time, there really isn't a lot of work going into the next generation of drugs, as it isn't a hugely profitable thing for pharma companies to do.

Left with only the current facts we are presented with a dire situation, particularly for the next generations. However, Davies does come up with a range of possibilities for making things better, from the simplest aspects like washing our hands more effectively through to means to encourage production of the next generation of antibiotics. The trouble is, these positive bits seem to me to be primarily filled with the optimism of the scientific professional, rather than a reflection of the political reality. Specifically, I think unless we see Bill Gates and his equivalents pouring vast amounts into the research we won't get very far until things start going horribly wrong. For instance, the use of antibiotics in animal rearing should be clamped down on at draconian levels worldwide, but politicians have fudged it again and again.

But whether or not you take solace from the practical suggestions, and the rosier picture of the future the book finishes with, there is no doubt that this is a highly important message that, for a start, every MP and GP should be reading. And wash your hands. Right now.

Review first published on www.popularscience.co.uk and reproduced with permission.

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, concise, to the point. The Drugs Don't Work delivers a powerful, science-based message about one of the most pressing global issues of our era: antimicrobial resistance. One of those books that everyone should read. It'd get five stars but for the lack of imagination regarding potential solutions to global health issues; there's not much hint that it might be possible to tackle these problems outside the context of the profit motive, or that drug companies might play a subordinate rather than leading role.

[Simon Fletcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little read about the dangers antibiotic resistance. While it's true that there's nothing in here that's not really well known now it does serve as a reminder that we all need to be better stewards of antimicrobial medications.

[Patch Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

More terrified that I was already.

[Jocelyn (foxonbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifying! A paper on the very real threat that common bacteria and viruses will likely again pose to humanity. The drugs will no longer work. At least Professor Sally Davies offers hope for a solution? About as scary as the warnings about climate change.

[Daniel Band · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small but strong book, very enticing read.

It illustrates how bleak the future seems with the threats of newly emerging super-resistant microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, and a world without antibiotic medication, but also adds more promising solutions in avoiding such catastrophes.

Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the sciences of medicine or microbiology.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read about a scary problem on the horizon. Obviously the author knows her stuff but is able to convey the important parts of the material easily. Quite a dry straight forward book don't expect a magical narrative to be woven, but given size of book and subject just what's required to get a good understanding

[Freya Dixon-van Dijk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine as an overview - feeling a little dated/optimistic in the current political context. Think there are probably more recent texts with up to date figures that cover actions we can take on big issues like antimicrobial use in livestock farming in more detail

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer for those wanting to learn about the antibiotic resistance crisis.

[Saskia Shilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrifying but an absolute must read to keep our future on the right track

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and easily understandable description of a complex matter. Frankly terrifying.

[Robyn Lisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and concise, super accessible to the lay public, but also interesting to those of biology background. Worth a read, such an important topic.

[Lorraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing topic, written in easily understood language. The threat of antimicrobial resistance to future health is discussed, followed by some proposed solutions to alleviate the impact.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent and very short introduction to antimicrobial resistance. It begins with a terrifying dystopian scenario in which people are dying from the kind of common infections we give barely a thought to today: this part, imagining the implications for the real lives of ordinary people, freaked me out more than any other. It could highlight the issue to people even if they have little interest of reading the whole book, which goes on to explain the science, the issues and the possible solutions in terms a lay audience can understand. It contains interesting facts such as these.

I read 'The Drugs Don't Work' because I was aware of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. I can't remember the last time I took antibiotics, but I will be trying to remember to sing 'Happy Birthday To You' twice in my head whilst washing my hands from now on! And hoping that the global population loses enough collective sleep over this to act effectively before it's too late...

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to begin, full of generalisation this short book rapidly recovered ground to finish with a grand flourish of recommendations, ideas and areas for further investigation.

It was a grand thing to read a piece of work that, unlike so many others, not only identifies the issues BUT also recommends solutions.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is very basic, the science is below GCSE level and I knew most of it. However, the statistics are interesting when at a higher level and it is quite an enjoyable read. Perfectly average.

Full review to follow on my blog.

[Jben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, terrifying reading that will ensure you always wash your hands properly, only use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and never bother your doctor for antibiotics when you've only got a cold ever again.

[Astrid Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this essay.

No new antibiotics have been developed since 1987 and the ones we have are becoming less effective.

Davies - both a Dame and a Professor - outlines what we can, and should, do about it.

[Katjp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book that everyone should read. Clear explanations of a real global problem that needs to be fixed.

[Marc O'sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, that'll give some people a bit of a kick up the ass in some of their bad habits. Feels like you're reading a well written scientific editorial.

[Lucas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only slightly informative for the average scientifically literate individual. On the other hand, I find that there are fewer and fewer people I would describe this way. So, YMMV.

[Adele Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really concise, well written book explaining the mechanisms and potential impacts of antimicrobial resistance, as well as suggestions of strategies to combat it.