By Dr. Will Carter | The People’s Doctor
Have you ever taken medication that was prescribed to someone else? Do you complete all your antibiotics as instructed, or do you “save a few” for the next time once you start feeling better? Are you ordering medications online without first seeing a doctor or healthcare provider?
If you are doing any of these things, you may be putting your health at risk, and in some cases, you could even be breaking the law.
In today’s world, access to medical information is easier than ever. Between “Dr. Google” and artificial intelligence (AI), answers are always a few clicks away. However, access does not equal accuracy. Much of the information available online can be incomplete, misleading, or not supported by high-quality scientific evidence.
There is a reason physicians and healthcare providers spend years in training. Medicine is not just about information. It requires interpretation, clinical judgment, and an understanding of context. A quick search or AI prompt cannot replace that level of expertise.
You should never take someone else’s medication. Even if it appears to be the same medication you take, prescriptions are individualized. Factors such as dosage, timing, medical history, allergies, and potential drug interactions all matter. What is safe for one person may not be safe for another.
Antibiotics are a particularly important example. Taking antibiotics that are not prescribed to you, or not completing a full course, can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria survive exposure to antibiotics and adapt over time, making future infections harder to treat. While not every case leads to severe outcomes, untreated or resistant infections can become more serious and, in some cases, lead to complications such as sepsis.
Ordering prescription medications online without proper medical oversight is another growing concern. Some of these products may be unregulated, counterfeit, contaminated, or not what they claim to be. In certain cases, they may not be intended for human use. Taking or injecting these substances carries significant risk and can lead to harmful or even life-threatening consequences.
The safest course is also the simplest: follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. Ask questions and stay engaged in your care, but recognize that medical decision-making requires more than a surface-level understanding.
Dr. Google, and the newly minted Dr. Artificial Intelligence, do not have what it takes to treat you safely. Without proper medical training, it is easy to misinterpret information and miss the nuances that are critical to making sound medical decisions.
So, let’s keep it simple:
• Do not share your medications.
• Do not take someone else’s medication.
• Do not order prescription medications online without a proper medical evaluation.
Your health is too important to take unnecessary risks. Stay well!
Disclaimer: This column is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice from your personal physician.
