Consult a doctor before taking doxycycline for leptospirosis —DOH

GMA Network

2 days ago

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to consult a doctor first and secure prescription before taking doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis. (File photo)
An official from the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded the public to consult a doctor first and secure a prescription before taking doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis, if exposed to flood waters.
'But ang pinaka-important message po dito is, still, bago ka gumamit ng doxycycline, kailangan mo ng prescription. So kailangan pa rin po talaga kakonsulta sa doktor, no? Or mag-consult sa inyong nearest doctor sa inyong health center, no? Before kayo makakuha,' said Johanna Mallari-Abella of DOH-Pharmaceutical Division in a discussion with the private sector on antimicrobial resistance awareness.
(The most important message here is that before you use doxycycline, you still need a prescription. So, you really need to consult with a doctor or visit your nearest health center doctor before you can obtain it.)
Abella pointed out that prescription and intake of doxycycline also depend on one's exposure to the Leptospira bacteria, which are found in the urine of rats. She added that even without wounds, one is still at risk for leptospirosis.
'So, depending po siya sa risk, kung ilang beses kayo bumaha. Kung may risk talaga na, kasi kung nakatira po talaga kayo sa area na baha talaga doon and may risk na everyday kayong lumulusong, kahit wala kayong open wound, sometimes you still need to take to really prevent,' she said.
(It depends on the risk—how often you've been in floodwaters. If you're really in an area that floods frequently and there's a risk you're wading through it daily, even without an open wound, sometimes you still need to take [doxycycline] to truly prevent [leptospirosis].)
'Kasi kapag nandiyan na siya, mabilis po yung progression ng disease. So, kailangan talaga na yung appropriate na prevention, depende sa exposure mo po sa baha that is contaminated with dumi ng iba't ibang animals po,' Abella added.
(Once the disease is there, it progresses quickly. So, appropriate prevention is really necessary, depending on your exposure to floodwaters contaminated with the feces of various animals.)
Based on DOH's guide, people at low risk of leptospirosis are advised to take two capsules of doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours after exposure to flood.
Meanwhile, those considered at moderate risk or those who sometimes wade through flood waters must take two capsules of doxycycline every day for three to five days, and 24 to 72 hours after exposure.
Further, individuals who are at high risk of getting leptospirosis, or those who often wade through flood waters, must take two capsules of doxycycline every week until one is not exposed to flood waters.
DOH reminder vs leptospirosis
There are 2,396 leptospirosis cases logged nationwide from June 8 to August 7, 2025, the DOH earlier said.
Several hospitals in Metro Manila earlier reported an influx of leptospirosis cases following the floods brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and a series of tropical cyclones that hit the country.
But infectious diseases expert Rontgene Solante said the recent rise in leptospirosis cases in the country is unlikely to trigger a health emergency
Antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to such an extent that regular medicines can no longer treat them.
Examples of antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitic agents, and antifungals. However, inappropriate and excessive use of them can make treatment ineffective in the future, the experts worry.
Citing studies, Abella said that data showed that there were 15,700 deaths attributable to AMR and 56,700 deaths associated with AMR were logged in the Philippines in 2019.
'So, we understand that the overuse and misuse or yung overprescribing of antibiotics even when they are not needed is one of the causes of the problem,' said Abella.
(We understand that the overuse, misuse, or over-prescribing of antibiotics—even when they're not needed—is one of the causes of the problem.)
'There are also issues on patient adherence or patient compliance and this is very common, especially in rural areas because there are socioeconomic issues as well and literacy issues, they are not aware na kapag hindi nila kinomplete yung treatment, it can lead to the development of AMR,' she added.
(There are also issues with patient adherence or patient compliance. This is very common, especially in rural areas, because of socioeconomic and literacy issues. They're often not aware that failing to complete their treatment can lead to the development of AMR.)
The World Health Organization recognizes AMR as one of the top global public health threats, with an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide logged in 2019.
'And if we do not do anything by 2050, it is estimated or projected that 10 million will die due to AMR. Aside from the impact on morbidity and mortality, it also has economic consequences because by 2050, AMR would decrease the gross domestic product by 2% to 3.5%' said Abella.
(And if we do not do anything, by 2050, it is estimated or projected that 10 million will die due to AMR. Aside from the impact on morbidity and mortality, it also has economic consequences because by 2050, AMR would decrease the gross domestic product by 2% to 3.5%.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News