Opioid Agonist Treatment in Pharmacies

Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) is an evidence-based treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder who are dependent on opioids like heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, and hydromorphone. OAT is the recommended, safe, and effective approach to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It involves the use of long-acting opioid medications and includes methadone, buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®), slow-release oral morphine (Kadian®) or extended-release buprenorphine.

Research has shown that OAT is safe, effective, and cost-effective, and is associated with a range of positive outcomes in clients, such as reduced non-medical or unregulated opioid use and improved health, mental health and quality of life.

A prescriber (general practitioner, specialist, or nurse practitioner) works together with the client to select the most suitable OAT medication based on the client’s circumstances, goals, and treatment history. The prescriber will discuss the risks and benefits of the OAT options, individualizes the treatment plan, and provides the prescriptions for OAT.  Pharmacists work with clients and prescribers to ensure the right OAT medication is taken at the right dose at the right time and in the right way to ensure effective treatment and safety. They support the treatment plans and provide ongoing monitoring, education, and information about OAT medication as well as provide harm reduction strategies and other health-care services.

B.C. PharmaCare pays the full cost of most opioid agonist treatments for British Columbians.

Community pharmacies in British Columbia are a convenient location for patients and others to pick up their free Take Home Naloxone (THN) kit. Naloxone is available without a prescription. You can find a pharmacy offering naloxone in pharmacy below.

These kits are available free of charge to people: 

• at risk of an opioid poisoning
•  likely to witness and respond to an opioid poisoning, such as a family or friend of someone at risk

For training on how to use naloxone, visit the Toward the Heart Program.

Naloxone is a life-saving drug that temporarily reverses the effects of an opioid poisoning.  When administered properly, naloxone restores normal breathing and consciousness within 2 to 5 minutes of injection (or within 3 to 4 minutes when given intranasally), preventing death or brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen. If you suspect an opioid poisoning and have already administered naloxone, you should still call 911 for emergency assistance.