3 Tips for Safe Medication Use on Campus

                   

 

It seems like you just arrived on campus, but midterms came up fast and finals are just around the corner. With deadlines and other commitments, not to mention papers, there’s no wonder you stay on the go.

 

During high stress times like these, you may be tempted to use medicines to help you keep up with your busy schedule. BEWARE! Misusing medicines can be dangerous and even cost you your life. Use these 3 tips to help you make smart decisions about using prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

 

1. Use Medications As Directed.

Read the label. If you have questions about how much you should take and when, ask your healthcare provider.

 

2. Do Not Share Prescription Medicines.

You may think taking a medicine prescribed for a friend can be harmless, but that’s not true. For example, many so-called “party drugs” are really prescription pain relievers. Taking prescription medications without a prescription or a doctor's supervision can lead to addiction, overdose and even death.

• Know the danger signs to watch for. If a friend is overdosing, call 9-1-1.

 

3. Store Medicines Safely.

Keep your medicine out of the wrong hands. Lock up your prescription medications or keep them in a place that only you know. Safely throw out medicines that are expired or that you no longer need.

 

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Encourage others to use medicines wisely.

Help keep your campus community safe by spreading the word about using medications wisely. Spreading the word can help others think twice about misusing medications.

• Get free fact sheets and posters to use in your campus outreach, peer education programs and sorority events.
• Use our College Women’s Social Media Kit for health and safety messages to share on your social media accounts and blog.
• Download the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Among College Students Information and Resource Kit. The kit focuses on the consequences of substance misuse among college students, including the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

 

Did You Know?

People sometimes use pure powdered caffeine because they think it will give them an energy boost, but powdered caffeine is a powerful stimulant and even very small amounts may cause an accidental overdose. A single teaspoon is roughly the equivalent to the amount in 25 cups of coffee.

Want more health and safety tips? Visit the College Women's Health webpage at

www.fda.gov/collegewomen

Resources For You

• A Recipe for Danger: Social Media Challenges Involving Medicines
• FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• 5 Health Tips College Women Need to Know
• Your Buzz can take Your Breath Away... Permanently
• Order free posters and fact sheets for your campus.
• College Women Social Media Toolkit