Prescription medication sharing for non-recreational purposes: A systematic review of the literature

Context Prescription medication sharing is defined as the lending or borrowing of prescription medications where the recipient of those medicines is someone other than the person for whom the prescription is intended. Sharing of prescription medication can cause significant harm to the individuals who engage in these practices. Adverse consequences include increased risk of side effects, delayed health seeking, masking of the symptoms and severity of disease. Prevalence estimates vary across different populations, and peoples’ reasons for sharing and their perceptions of risks from sharing are poorly understood. Objective We conducted a systematic review to investigate types of prescribed medication shared, factors that influence this behaviour, including reasons for sharing and the consequences and impact of these practices, including potential harms and risks. Study design and Analysis Systematic review. Population and Setting People of any age and in any setting. Primary studies that investigated non-recreational