Arkansas is our home, and we look out for our neighbors.

Can you share your medication with a friend?

On Behalf of | Jul 25, 2024 | Drug Crimes

Many people take the same prescription drugs as each other. So it might seem only natural to share your medication with a friend, family member or colleague who has a need for the same thing but does not have theirs with them.

You might even give a particular pill to a friend to try to see if it helps with a problem that sounds similar to yours for which they do not currently have a prescription.

As well-meaning as your intentions are, you cannot afford to share your medication with anyone.

Your medication is for one person only

The person prescribed the drugs is the only person legally allowed to take those particular pills. Breaching this rule could lead to criminal charges for both parties– the one who shared their medications and the person who took the shared medication. If an intermediary was involved, they too could face charges. For example, if you tell a colleague about the bad migraines your wife has started getting and they give you some pills to take to her to try. 

What if it is an emergency?

Maybe a colleague traveling with you on a work trip has forgotten their heart medication. You may feel you have no option but to share some of yours to prevent a serious medical situation. However, it is still illegal and the police could still charge you if they find out. 

In a circumstance such as this, most people would agree you did the correct thing if you shared and averted a medical situation for your colleague. Yet you cannot guarantee a judge would think that way – as you did break the law. Understanding your options to try and get the best possible outcome for your case will be crucial.