The Problem

MYTHS / REALITIES ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Separate fact from fiction when it comes to medication…

MYTH

“One pill was good; two ought to be even better.”

REALITY:

Taking a dosage that’s larger than the prescribed amount can be very dangerous and, occasionally, fatal. Always be safe and follow the instructions.

MYTH

“If it works for someone else, it’ll work for me.”

REALITY:

A medicine’s effect depends on an individual’s condition, tolerance and the drug itself. What works for one person can be harmful to another. Never take another person’s prescription, and never give your prescription medicine to someone else to take. It’s unsafe and illegal. Always be safe and know the law.

MYTH

“My kids would never get into my medicine.”

REALITY:

Your prescription painkillers can tempt some teens into trying them to get “high” or to experiment. Little ones may think they’re candy or take them by mistake. Keep your family safe and learn how to safely store your medicine in a secure place.

MYTH

“It’s safer to misuse prescription medicine than illicit substances.”

REALITY:

Studies indicate teens and college-age people think prescription medicines offer a safer alternative to drugs than cocaine or heroin. The reality is more people die from overdoses of prescription drugs than cocaine or heroin. Know the facts.

MYTH

“It came from a doctor, so it has to be safe.”

REALITY:

If the doctor did not intend for you to take the medicine, you cannot assume it’s safe for you. Again, never take someone else’s prescription. It’s unsafe and illegal. Know the law.

MYTH

“My doctor won’t let me get addicted to pain medicine.”

REALITY:

While doctors don’t want to see their patients become addicted, many are not trained in addiction or pain management. And follow-up often doesn’t happen. Be safe. 

MYTH

“It’s OK to flush my unused medicine down a toilet or drain.”

REALITY:

Sewage treatment plants may not be able to clean those medicines from the water. They could end up polluting our waters, hurting our environment and harming our food and water supply. To help keep our environment clean and safe, learn how to safely dispose of your medicine.

MYTH

“I should throw my unused medicine in the trash.”

REALITY:

Medicine can poison people and wildlife, so it’s dangerous to put it in the trash or even landfills. Human medicine is the leading cause of pet poisonings, and those most frequently happen when pets find them in a garbage can. To help keep our environment clean and safe, learn how to safely dispose your medicine.

MYTH

“You should crush your medicine before disposing it.”

REALITY:

Many medicines release into the body over time. Crushing them can create a dangerously high dose that can be taken in through skin contact or breathing. To help keep your family and yourself safe, learn how to safely dispose your medicine.