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Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medication

Like other substances, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be misused and abused. What does misusing a prescription or OTC medication look like?
 

More

Taking more of a medication than is recommended or prescribed.

Not Yours

Using a medication that is not prescribed to you, or that has been given to you or taken from someone else.

What For

Using a medication for a reason other than it is prescribed or recommended for.
 

To prevent medication misuse, make sure you follow these safe use guidelines:

  • Talk to your doctor about the medication and its addictiveness

  • Do not take medication other than how it is prescribed

  • Lock your medications up

  • Do not share medications family or friends 

  • Do not sell medications 

Prescription and OTC medication misuse is a serious problem around the world. In fact, most people who use illicit drugs say that their addiction started with unsecured medications in the home. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your home medication safe, by properly storing and disposing of medications.