On Sharing Prescription Medicines

Just yesterday I heard of someone who took his prescribed TAMIFLU until he felt better, then gave the rest to his wife.

Did you know that 1 in 4 people report they have “bummed medicine rather than see a health-care provider” but 1 in 3 ended up seeking medical care anyway?

Did you know “of people who borrowed a medicine prescribed for someone else, 25.1 percent experienced some sort of side effect?”

These quotes are from an article on the MedlinePlus website, “Sharing Prescriptions Can Bring Harm, Not Healing”

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_91734.html

Prescription medicine may be shared altruistically or recreationally.  Whatever the reason, many people do not know that taking medication meant for another person is potentially dangerous.

As a health care provider, have you ever asked a patient if he or she shares prescription medicines with others?  Have you ever advised against it, and explained why?

Do you think you will in the future?