When can the use of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine be harmful?
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine can be harmful if not used as directed. This can include:
- taking medicine prescribed to someone else
- taking medicine to feel ‘high’ or intoxicated
- taking a higher dose than prescribed
- having more than one prescription for the same medicine
Using medicine this way can lead to serious health issues and may impact the developing baby.
Some medicine can lower testosterone levels which affects sperm and sex drive. Conceiving a baby can be more difficult because of a low sperm count or because of the way that sperm move.