CPhA Supports Health Canada's Efforts on Tamper-Resistant Drug Regulations

The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) welcomes Health Canada’s announcement to seek stakeholder feedback on draft Tamper-Resistant Properties of Drugs Regulations which would require that all controlled release oxycodone products have tamper-resistant properties before they can be sold in Canada.

CPhA has long been advocating for a multi-pronged approach to addressing prescription drug abuse, including regulations to mandate tamper-resistant properties and address the potential risks of opioid misuse.  With only one product now currently tamper resistant, this is a positive move to create a level-playing field for all long-lasting opiates.

In August 2014, CPhA submitted a series of recommendations to Health Canada calling for all opioids and stimulants to include tamper resistant properties, coupled with improved assessment tools and prescribing guidelines, enhanced surveillance,  increased patient education and public awareness on the potential negative health risks of prescription opioids. CPhA is pleased that the government is assuming a leadership position and  beginning to implement the recommendations of Canadian pharmacists.

Pharmacists currently play a crucial role in curbing prescription drug abuse through various programs and initiatives, which include collecting expired or unwanted medications, identifying potentially problematic medication use, educating patients on medication safety and offering addiction management services at some pharmacies.

However, CPhA strongly believes we need to further improve the systems and tools available to health care professionals that help them ensure that Canadians are safely and appropriately accessing medications that, when used appropriately, can alleviate suffering and contribute to better health. Access to important patient care information and better integration of electronic health records, including common national standard for a seamless e-prescribing system in Canada, are essential to supporting enhanced clinical decision-making, prescribing, medication management and surveillance.

CPhA is committed to collaborating with Health Canada to continue to address prescription drug abuse and ensure medication safety, ensuring that pharmacists are fully utilized as highly accessible, trusted and professional health care providers. We encourage Health Canada to measure the impacts of their initiatives as part of a larger, comprehensive strategy to combat prescription drug abuse.