I have received a prescription for buprenorphine/naloxone. Can I dispense it, or do I need to have specific training first?

The College’s expectations for buprenorphine/naloxone dispensing for Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) can be found in the Opioid Policy. This includes practicing in accordance with CAMH’s Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment: A Pharmacist’s Guide to Methadone and Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder. 

Additional resources are available in the Opioid and Opioid Use Disorder Practice Topic such as the CRISM National Guideline for the Clinical Management of Opioid Use Disorder. 

Although the Opioid Policy does not mandate formal training as a prerequisite for dispensing buprenorphine/naloxone, the College lists continuing education opportunities on its website as a tool to assist with professional development. 

As with any medication, pharmacists are relied upon to ensure they have the necessary knowledge, skills and judgment to provide OAT in a safe and effective manner.