Is Taking Less Pain Medication Than Prescribed Considered Abusing the Drug?

Question by TiredOfFemaleTechsOnMaleExams: Is taking less pain medication than prescribed considered abusing the drug?
My job is updating its anti-drug policies, it has always been about illegal drugs. Now it includes abusing prescription drugs, Ive heard that if you do not take it exactly as prescribed it is abuse. I have been taking FAR less than prescribed. Can they claim I am abusing the prescription drug? If i take it as prescribed it, in my opinion wouldn’t be safe to work since I work a dangerous job.

They can do “random” checks and see what drug (even prescription) is in your system and how much. And they can also do the drug testing on Hair Blood and Urine all at the same time if they see fit.
This is PAIN medication Hydrocodone apap. 7.5.

Nothing to do with MRSA.

Best answer:

Answer by Alissa, R.N.
No, abusing is considered using in excess of what is prescribed usually. You can have a prescription and never use it but that’s not considered abuse, especially if the script reads “as needed” or PRN in medical abbreviation. If you’re using far MORE than prescribed or not using it for pain then it’s abuse.

If you have a valid prescription, you’re OK. And, they cannot tell how much you’ve taken as every person metabolizes it at their own rate. Someone who’s taking the same amount of a pain medication could have far more or less than you, it depends on the body and how quickly your specific body breaks it down – so they really can’t tell how MUCH you took, just that you took it or not.

Additional: What does pain medication have to do with MRSA (to the other answerer)??? MRSA is caused by overtreatment by antibiotics… and people not taking a full course of antibiotics. Has nothing to do with any other kind of medication.

Add your own answer in the comments!