Can I share a prescription with a friend who needs it?

On Behalf of | Apr 28, 2017 | Drug Crime Defense, Firm News

People who have prescription drugs for a condition usually use their medications until they are gone. Some people hang on to these drugs in case they need them in the future.

The people who keep prescription drugs might be tempted to share those drugs with other people who are suffering from the same condition that they were prescribed the drugs for. This is a very bad idea.

Why shouldn’t I share prescriptions I’m not taking?

It is against the law to share or give away prescription drugs to anyone. Prescriptions are written by doctors for a single patient. That patient is the only one who should take the drugs. These prescriptions take a host of factors into account, so patients can’t safely take prescriptions for another person without risking harm.

Is it still illegal if I don’t accept money for the medication?

Yes, it is still illegal for you to give someone else your prescription drugs even if you don’t accept payment. The act of sharing your prescriptions, even if the person has a prescription for the same drug, is against the law.

If you are facing charges for sharing your prescription drugs, you might have options for how to answer the charges. You should explore options, such as plea deals, defense strategies and pretrial diversion programs to determine which avenue to pursue. Some of these options might not be available to you based on your criminal history or the circumstances of the case. Make sure that you think about the impacts each of the decisions you make will have on your defense and the remainder of your life.

Source: FindLaw, “Is It Illegal to Share or Give Away Prescription Drugs?,” Christopher Coble, Esq., accessed April 25, 2017