BELLE — A practice some may view as harmless, sharing or borrowing prescription medication, can pose significant health risks, particularly among older adults.

Health data shows that older Americans already face elevated risks when it comes to medication use. According to national health statistics, nearly nine out of 10 older adults take at least one prescription drug, and a large portion take multiple medications at the same time. Among seniors, more than 40 percent take five or more prescriptions, a level commonly referred to as polypharmacy.

That combination alone increases the likelihood of dangerous drug interactions. Studies have found that about 12 percent of patients are exposed to interacting drug combinations, with roughly four percent at risk for major adverse reactions. The risk rises with age, reaching approximately one-third among those in their 70s.

When medications are shared between individuals, those risks increase significantly.

Unlike prescriptions provided by a physician or pharmacist, shared medications are taken without professional review of a person’s full medical history, current prescriptions or underlying conditions. Even medications that appear similar or are used to treat the same condition may vary in strength, dosage or formulation.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to how their bodies process medication. Slower metabolism and changes in kidney and liver function can cause drugs to remain in the body longer, increasing the chances of side effects or toxicity.

A dose that is safe for one person may be too strong for another.

Medication misuse is already a documented concern nationwide. Millions of Americans misuse prescription drugs each year, and sharing medications is considered one of the most common forms of misuse. Among older adults, chronic conditions such as pain, anxiety and sleep disorders can increase the likelihood of improper use.

Cost plays a major role in medication sharing. Research shows that nearly one in five older adults report not taking medications as prescribed due to cost, with some skipping doses because they can’t afford the medication — or because they are sharing with friends or family who can’t afford the cost.

Health experts caution that this type of informal exchange can have serious consequences.

Even properly prescribed medications can present risks for older adults. Studies estimate that nearly 16 percent of seniors use medications considered potentially inappropriate for their age group. Taking a medication that was not specifically prescribed only increases the chance of complications.

Warning signs of a bad reaction can include dizziness, confusion, unusual drowsiness, nausea or changes in heart rate. In severe cases, improper medication use can lead to hospitalization or life-threatening events.

Health professionals advise that medications should only be taken as prescribed and never shared, regardless of how similar symptoms may appear.

For those facing cost concerns or difficulty accessing prescriptions, pharmacists can often recommend lower-cost alternatives, generic options or assistance programs.

As medication use continues to rise among older adults, experts say awareness remains one of the most important tools in preventing avoidable harm.

Sharing medication may seem like a simple solution, but the risks can be far greater than many realize.