Doctors writing prescriptions usually try to recommend the least amount of a drug that they can while still effectively treating a patient. Despite their best efforts, prescriptions may sometimes provide people with more medication than they really need. In those scenarios, the patient with leftover medication may retain the remainder of their prescription drugs for future use.
People who are aware that their family members have had prescription medications for drugs that they require might sometimes ask to share leftover medication. After all, every refill at the pharmacy leads to at least a copay, if not an obligation to pay for the drug outright. Additionally, the person receiving the medication has taken it before and knows they tolerate it well.
Is it legal and safe to accept a parent’s medication that they no longer require?
Medication sharing is common
Researchers have found that many people share medications, and not for the reasons that others might assume. Medication sharing does sometimes have a recreational purpose. However, it is far more common for people to share medications out of necessity or compassion.
Family members might provide leftover medication to a loved one who can’t get in to see their doctor over the weekend or who can’t afford to keep refilling their prescription. The person receiving the medication may feel confident that they are safe, as they already have experience with the medication.
However, they are legally vulnerable. Anyone caught in possession of a medication technically belonging to someone else could be at risk of prosecution. Particularly if police officers find a person carrying prescription packaging with another person’s name on it, they could face charges. The person who provided the medication could also theoretically be vulnerable.
Regardless of the intent behind medication sharing, it can potentially trigger possession or trafficking charges. People accused of controlled substance violations are at risk of multiple costly consequences. They may face a jail sentence or be subject to probation. They may also endure years of complications because of the criminal record that follows their conviction.
Individuals facing drug charges for sharing medication with family members may need help responding effectively to those allegations. Discussing one’s case with a lawyer can help people plan the most effective response to claims that they inappropriately possessed medication that belongs to someone else.