A pharmacist framework for implementation of the Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Imagine a person with chronic pain entering his or her pharmacy with a prescription for “oxycodone ER, 40 mg PO BID.” Most pharmacists have encountered this prescription many times. One out of every 5 people in Canada experiences chronic pain,1 and many use opioids as part of managing this. Pharmacists play a key role in promoting rational opioid use, balancing safety with decreased pain and overall quality of life. This “opioid stewardship” by pharmacists is especially important in the context of the current opioid crisis.