RAISING AWARENESS OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MISUSE OF MEDICATIONS

To support the pharmacy workforce in outreach efforts to provide education to authorities, patients, and the community on the risks associated with use of medications for nonmedical purposes or from nonmedical sources.

Rationale

Misuse of medications involves the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications in ways that are not prescribed or directed. The use of medications for nonmedical purposes is also a category of misuse. Misuse may lead to serious consequences, such as emergency department visits, hospitalization, and death. While most of the evidence regarding medication misuse is related to opioids, central nervous system depressants, and stimulants, misuse of any medication may result in patient harm. As such, efforts to raise awareness of the risks of misusing any medication needs to prioritized, in addition to specific medications and medication classes. Pharmacists, as medication experts, can identify red flags and patterns of medication misuse and support community outreach efforts to help patients understand the risks associated with the misuse of medications.