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Sharing medicines is unwiseSharing medicines is unwise
Sometimes people share medicines to help out friends and relatives who have the same health problem. Sometimes people share medicines to save money. Sharing medicines with others may be tempting, but it’s not wise. It could harm your health — and theirs.
For example, if you give some of your medicine to someone else, they may be taking another medicine that interacts with your medicine, or they may have another health problem that’s made worse by yours.
We’re all different, and our bodies handle medicines differently.
In addition, if by sharing your medicines you’re both taking only part of the proper dose, the medicine probably won’t work for either of you. This may mean taking the medicine is a waste of time. It may also be harmful. Antibiotics, for example, don’t work properly if you don't take the full dose and course. To take another example, if two women share a single course of oral contraceptive pills both could be in for a surprise.
We’re all different, and our bodies handle medicines differently. That’s why a particular medicine may work for one person with a particular illness, but not another. It’s also why some people experience side effects with a particular medicine, but others don't.
When they prescribe medicines, doctors take into account all your health problems not just the one the medicine is for — as well as a host of other factors, such as your age, the other medicines you’re taking, and the way your body has handled that and similar medicines in the past.
So, when it comes to prescription medicines, sharing medicines is definitely not wise. However, it's also unwise to share medicines you buy at the pharmacy and supermarket. Even some common medicines you can buy almost anywhere, like aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen (Nurofen and other brands), should not be taken by some people.
Also, don’t be tempted to give away medicines that you no longer need to someone else, or to accept them from another person.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2005-03-01 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
