---

Preventing the abuse and misuse of medications

America’s biggest drug problem is not on the street…
…it’s in our medicine cabinets.

The Institute of Medicine estimates 1.5 million medication errors occur each year at a cost of $3.5 billion. Nearly three-fourths of Americans report they don’t take their medications as directed.

Teens are increasingly turning to prescription drugs to get high or promote physical or mental attributes. In fact, prescription drugs are now the drugs of choice for 12 and 13 year olds, used more than any other illicit street drug except marijuana. Everyday 2,500 kids ages 12 to 17 try a painkiller for the first time. One in five teens report abusing prescription medications to get high. Two in five teens believe that prescription medications are safer than illegal drugs.

And the elderly are increasingly vulnerable to medication problems. Eighty percent of older adults have some chronic disease requiring a medication and many are confused by the quantity of medications prescribed.

Cardinal Health is taking a proactive role to prevent the abuse and misuse of prescription medications.

» Supporting leadership on medication safety
» Supporting research and professional development
» Putting best practices into action

Home | Sitemap | Legal | Privacy policy