Sharing prescription meds can land you in legal trouble

On Behalf of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC

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Jan 06, 2025

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Drug Charges,Felonies

We all want to help our loved ones feel better when they’re not at their best. You might think it’s a kind gesture to give some of your leftover prescription painkillers. Unfortunately, sharing your medications can lead to serious legal trouble—not just for you but also for your loved one.

The legal dangers of sharing prescription drugs

You can face criminal charges for giving away leftover prescription pills. In Illinois, this may count as drug distribution, which is a felony. Even if your intentions are good, the laws are strict about sharing prescription drugs. You can face:

• Charges ranging from a Class 3 to Class X felony
• Minimum of two to five years in prison
• Maximum of 60 years in prison for Class X felonies
• Fines starting at $75,000 if convicted of drug trafficking

Aside from criminal felony charges, you can also face civil liabilities if your friend or loved one experiences any harm or adverse effects from the medicine. Moreover, your loved one can also face charges for illegal drug possession for not having a prescription.

The health risks of self-medicating

When you share prescription medications, you are encouraging your friend or family member to self-medicate. In doing so, you expose them to health risks like:

• Possible drug interactions: Prescribed medicine can negatively interact with other drugs or supplements the other person is taking or a health condition they have.
• Incorrect dosage: Doctors prescribe specific doses based on factors like weight, age, and medical history. What works for you might not be right for your friend.
• Allergic reactions: Your friend may have unknown allergies to the medication, which can cause severe or life-threatening reactions.
• Delayed treatment: Using the wrong medication can mask symptoms. This can cause your loved one to put off visiting a doctor for appropriate medical care.
• Risk of addiction: Sharing controlled substances, especially painkillers or anti-anxiety meds, may contribute to dependency and addiction.

How you can best help a sick loved one

The best way to support a sick friend or family member is to help them get appropriate treatment. You can take them to a doctor or refer them to a clinic or physician who helped you. Sharing prescription medications only puts your loved one at risk—both legally and medically.