Prescription medication: Yours for a reason! Published Feb. 10, 2009 By 305th Medical Group pharmacy McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The medical facts: It is dangerous to share your prescriptions ILLEGAL "SHARING" OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Any prescription of medication you receive from the pharmacy comes to you only after your healthcare provider has reviewed your medical history, your history of drug allergies, examined you, and written a prescription for a specific medical diagnosis, and a second team of pharmacy specialists have double-and-triple checked any medication you receive. Take your prescriptions as your healthcare team has advised and if you have extra pills, dispose of them in a way that prevents their use by anyone else. Do not stockpile prescriptions that are no longer needed. These medications degrade with time and exposure to the elements (light, moisture, temperature extremes, etc.) Because prescription medications are in such common use, many people mistakenly believe they are harmless. The truth, however, is that many prescription medications can be extremely dangerous or lethal when used improperly, when used in combination with other drugs (including drugs also mistakenly assumed to be harmless, such as over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies), or when used by someone with an unsuspected, undetected medical condition. IF YOU ARE USING SOMEONE ELSE'S PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, REMEMBER... Medications at any dose can be dangerous or lethal. If you take or buy prescription medication from another person, you could have an allergic or unwanted reaction, an interaction with another drug or herbal remedy, long-term neurological or other health damage, or a reaction due to a health condition such as diabetes or heart problems. You cannot predict your reaction to a drug that another person takes safely. That is why many medications are available only by prescription from a medical provider who knows your history and health, and can monitor your condition and reactions to the medication. It is important to ask yourself why you would take such a risk with your health -- perhaps you are experiencing difficulties with mood, stress, motivation/concentration, or lifestyle that can be much better addressed or permanently resolved in some other less dangerous way, for example with counseling/psychotherapy or a legitimate medication that is prescribed uniquely for you. IF YOU ARE "SHARING" YOUR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, REMEMBER... Your medications have been prescribed for you -- and only you - by a physician. Medications at any dose can be dangerous or lethal. There is a reason that both a physician and a pharmacist check the patient's prescription medication for any interactions with a patient's allergies, other drugs and disease states. Without checking all those factors, that person may have an allergic or unintended reaction, an interaction with another drug or herbal remedy, potential long-term health damage, or even death may occur. You cannot predict another person's reaction to a drug that you take safely. The legal facts: It is illegal to share or sell your prescriptions The distribution of your prescription medications to a friend or family member, or the possession and/or use of prescription drugs that are not yours, is strictly prohibited by law. The selling of any prescription medications you have is illegal, period! The legal consequences for the wrongful possession of and/or criminal sale of prescription drugs include fines and imprisonment. For civilians, violation could lead to prosecution under state and federal laws. For military members, violation could result in action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. If you have questions about your prescription medications, call the base pharmacy at (609) 754-9470 (option #4) to talk with a pharmacist. If you wish to report illegal sharing of prescription medications, contact the Air Force Office of Special Investigations at (609) 754-3353, or security forces at (609) 754-2001.