What is prescription drug misuse?
Prescription medications can be safe and effective when taken correctly and prescribed by a healthcare provider. However, the potential for misuse can occur. Prescription drug misuse is defined as:
- Taking more or less of a prescription medication than that prescribed.
- Taking a prescription medication for a reason different than that prescribed.
- Sharing or taking someone else’s prescription medication.
Prevention:
- Always use your own medications. Never share, sell, or distribute medications to anyone else.
- Take your medication as directed by your physician.
- Use a lockbox to store your medications so they are not accessible to anyone else.
- Properly dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications.
