Which statement best describes misuse of medications?

• A. Using medicines in ways prescribed and supervised.
• B. Using medicines only as advised by friends.
• C. Using medicines without medical supervision or in ways not prescribed.
• D. Storing medicines properly.

Answer: (A)

Misuse involves not following how a medicine is meant to be used. It means using medicines without medical supervision or in ways that aren’t prescribed, such as taking someone else’s prescription, taking higher doses or more often than advised, using a medicine for something it isn’t intended for, or stopping a course early. This is unsafe because it raises the risk of harm, adverse effects, and drug interactions, and it can reduce how well the medicine works. Using medicines exactly as prescribed and storing them properly are safe practices, while taking guidance from friends instead of a healthcare professional can lead to misuse.