North Carolinians know all too well the toll that the opioid epidemic has taken on many parts of the country. Perhaps the drug most synonymous with this epidemic is OxyContin. This powerful and highly addictive prescription painkiller rapidly became recklessly marketed by the manufacturer and carelessly prescribed by doctors via “pill mills.” Addicts who became unable to get more as it gradually became more highly regulated started turning to illegal and even more dangerous drugs like heroin to get the same high.
People now often assume that Oxy is illegal. In fact, it is still prescribed legally. Cancer patients and others with severe or chronic pain can still take it under a doctor’s supervision. If you have a valid prescription for it from a reputable doctor, are taking it only as prescribed (not crushing, chewing, snorting or injecting it) and are not sharing it with or selling it to anyone else, you shouldn’t have to worry about any legal ramifications.
Be careful how you carry your Oxy
It’s crucial to be careful with your prescribed Oxy. If you need to have it with you, whether on you, in a duffel bag or purse or in your car, it’s wise to keep it in the original container that has all of your prescription information on the label.
It’s best not to carry any more with you than you need for the time you’ll be away from home. If you’re traveling by air, whether in the U.S. or outside the country, it’s best to check the TSA site and the laws of the countries to which you’re traveling.
If you don’t want to carry it in the original container, at least have a copy of your prescription with you. If you have a pharmacy app on your phone with all of your prescription information on it, that can help you provide proof that the drugs have been prescribed to you. An app with this information is a good idea to have on your phone if you’ve been prescribed any controlled substance that you carry with you.
If you are facing charges for possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, it’s wise to seek legal guidance to help protect your rights.