A new report says one in four people who use prescription drugs are making a common mistake; they are sharing them with other people. Researchers say it’s a risky decision that could end up making you feel worse instead of better.

You may do it to save money or a trip to the doctor's office. Chances are you or someone you know shares or borrows prescription drugs.

“I shouldn't but like my mother and I have some of the same prescription drugs so sometimes we do,” said Julie Brown.

In a new survey in the June edition of the American Journal of Health, researchers report out of 700 people, 23 percent share their medications, while 27 percent borrow them. The most commonly shared medications are antibiotics, pain relievers and allergy medications. Dr. Greene Shepherd of MCGHealth says sharing any prescription drug, no matter how common, can be life threatening if taken without a doctor's consent.

“It could harm things like liver, interfere with blood pressure or sugar levels. You need somebody with training and expertise to evaluate this,” he said.

Since you're required to take prescriptions drugs at specific times and certain amounts, sharing them may slow down healing if the patient misses a dose. Dr. Shepherd says it's even worse for patients who borrow them.

“The worst thing that is likely to happen is that you are going to be treating the wrong problem, so you mask symptoms for a while but the underlining cause doesn't get better,” he said.

Dr. Shepherd does admit in extreme cases or emergencies sharing a prescription drug is acceptable but in 99 percent of all cases a doctor's approval ensures your safety and good health.