The Ontario Pharmacists Association recognizes the complexity of the management of chronic pain and the issues surrounding it. As medication experts, pharmacists have an especially critical role to play where opioids are concerned, with regards to safe and responsible dispensing and patient education in order to prevent misuse.
In this section, we have collected resources to inform and assist pharmacists regarding opioid dispensing.
A collection of tools and resources created by OPA regarding methadone, opioid substitution and professional development opportunities.
Information on naloxone kits, the Ontario Naloxone Pharmacy Program, FAQ tools, marketing materials and more.
Helpful Worksheets created by OPA for its members:
Additional Resources:
Developed by an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers and patients, this guideline encompasses the latest evidence-based approaches to prescribing opioids for chronic non-cancer pain.
A one-page point-of-care tool containing essential information and advice from clinicians to inform the use of opioids for chronic pain. Access to this resource is free but requires registration.
A webpage from the Ministry of Ontario with multiple resources including quality standards for treating acute pain, patient reference guides and recommendations for healthcare professionals.
Information regarding Opioids Policy, methadone dispensing, OCP opioid-related tools and helpful links for patients and pharmacists
A webpage by ISMP Canada to help health care practitioners reduce and prevent harm from opioids. Users can find information on the prescribing of opioids, health care practitioner-specific information and recommendations on safe storage and disposal of opioids.
Disclaimer: The Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) provides this material to pharmacy professionals for informational purposes only. It is intended to provide pharmacy professionals with general guidance on dispensing opioids. The information provided may not be comprehensive and does not replace professional judgement and responsibilities. It is provided without warranty of any kind by OPA and OPA assumes no responsibility for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies therein. The decision for use and application of this document is the responsibility of the user. OPA assumes no liability for such use and application or any resulting outcomes. It is the responsibility of the pharmacy professional to use professional judgment in evaluating this material in light of any relevant situational data. It is intended to supplement materials provided by regulatory authorities, and should there be any discrepancies, municipal, provincial, and federal laws, policies and guidelines shall prevail. This information is up to date as at the date of publication. Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to use other resources that are appropriate and available to them.
