Is it illegal to share a prescription drug in NC? What the law says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Sharing prescription drugs in NC is illegal, regardless of intent or payment.
- Penalties vary by drug schedule, ranging from misdemeanors to felony charges.
- Residents can safely discard unused meds via Operation Medicine Drop or FDA methods.
It’s common to ask a family member or friend for medication when you’re sick.
Have a headache? Take Advil. Have allergies? Take Claritin. Have a cold? Take Sudafed.
Over-the-counter medications are widely available and considered safe to use for the general public, meaning they can be shared between adults.
But what about prescription medications?
Maybe someone you know had an extra refill, or they had leftovers after recovering from surgery.When you’re in a pinch, are they legal to share?
Here’s what to know.
Is it legal to share prescription drugs in NC?
No. Most prescription medications are considered controlled substances in North Carolina, and distribution of them is illegal, according to Mark Jetton, an attorney with Jetton & Meredith based in Charlotte.
Jetton said money does not have to change hands for the act to be considered illegal.
What is the penalty for sharing prescription drugs in NC?
Penalties for sharing prescription drugs in North Carolina vary depending on the types of drugs that are shared, according to the Law Office of William G. Causey Jr., based in Raleigh:
- Sharing prescription medication classified as a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance (like Klonopin or Xanax) may result in misdemeanor charges, which can lead to fines and jail time.
- Those charges could be bumped up to felony level if the drugs shared are Schedule I or II controlled substances (like Vicodin or OxyContin). The penalties are more severe, usually involving substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences.
- You could also face civil penalties if the person you shared medication with is injured or killed.
How to dispose of prescription medication
If you have unused medication, you can take advantage of North Carolina’s Operation Medicine Drop program, which lets residents safely dispose of their medications. You can use the state’s online tool to find a medicine drop box near you.
If a drop box is unavailable near you and your medication is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) flush list, you can dispose of your medications by flushing them.
Medications not on the flush list can be disposed of by taking the following steps, according to the FDA:
- Mix the medicine with something gross, like used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter — to make it unappealing and hard to recognize.
- Seal the mix in a container like a zip-top bag or empty can so it doesn’t spill.
- Throw the container in your household trash.
- Scratch out your personal info on the empty medicine bottle or box, then toss it.
