Sharing prescription medications is common and a public health concern, according to researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Sheffield, whose study investigating the behaviour was published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) today [20 February].
The study reviewed data from 19 primary research studies. Prevalence of the behaviour occurring in a person’s lifetime ranged from 13% to 78% in the studies reviewed. Painkillers were found to be the most commonly shared, followed by antibiotics and allergy medications.
Prescription medication sharing involves lending prescribed medicines to others or borrowing someone else’s medications for personal use. This inappropriate practice poses risks such as side effects and drug interactions, making it a matter of concern for healthcare professionals and the general public alike.
Reasons for sharing included emergency situations when medicines were required urgently and when there was a lack of access to healthcare services.
The study also identified characteristics associated with sharing, including age, female sex, asthma diagnosis, and the presence of unused medicines at home.
In light of these findings, the study advocates for health provider intervention and public awareness efforts. Campaigns focusing on the potential harm caused by sharing painkillers and antibiotics are crucial for addressing this significant public health concern.
Dr Shoba Dawson, Senior Research Fellow at Sheffield University (formerly at the Centre Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol), and lead author, said:
“Sharing prescription medications, although common, is potentially unsafe. Healthcare professionals can help reduce this practice by educating patients about appropriate use and how to access medicines when needed. Future research is needed to identify predictive factors and strategies to reduce risks related to this behaviour.”
Read the paper
Paper: Understanding non-recreational prescription medication-sharing behaviours: a systematic review by Shoba Dawson, Hans Johnson, Alyson L. Huntley, Katrina M. Turner and Deborah McCahon. Published in BJGP. February 2024.
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About the Centre for Academic Primary Care
The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of nine forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching. Follow us on X/Twitter: @capcbristol and LinkedIn.
