1 out of 4 survey participants in a recent study said that they'd share their medication if they thought it would help a friend. CAREFUL, here's what you might consider:1) if the friend has an allergic reaction to the mediation you have shared, you might create a liability for yourself as well as a potentially life threatening emergency for your friend.2) Your weight and dose requirement may be much different than that of your friend.3) In the case of antibiotics, each antibiotic is geared to treat different types of bacteria. Your friend may not be helped by your antibiotic. In fact, sharing your antibiotic could serve to make your friend more resistant to the antibiotic that will help.4) With antibiotics, a full 7-10 day course is required with most antibacterials. If your friend is only given your "left overs", it may serve to lower their bacteria count but not destroy the bacteria. After the "left overs" are completed, then the bacteria that are left, reproduce and come back bigger, meaner and more resistant to the antibiotics meant to kill them.Please think twice about sharing medications and encourage your friends to seek medical assistance. |