Expanded offer of alternatives
to prevent overdoses
(Vancouver) British Columbia says it is implementing a new policy that will expand access to safer prescription drugs for people at risk of overdoses, sometimes fatal, from toxic substances, without expecting them to begin treatment.
The Department of Mental Health and Addictions says people who have been clinically assessed will get alternatives, including oral opioids to replace products that could be linked to life-threatening fentanyl.
The Ministry indicates that substitutes include fentanyl patches already in use, and for the first time fentanyl tablets, as well as the expanded use of injectable and tablet hydromorphone in clinical settings. A reference will not be required.
Officials indicated that the program would be available in clinics that currently prescribe alternatives to illicit drugs. These offers could be expanded pending implementation plans to be communicated by health authorities at the end of the month.
Doctors who are reluctant to prescribe medications to addicts should receive training and prescribed medications would be covered by pharmacare (PharmaCare).
The provincial coroners' service reports that 851 people are presumed to have died from drug-induced toxicity between January and May, surpassing the previous record of 704 deaths reported for the corresponding months in 2017 by almost 21%.
The Ministry indicates that substitutes include fentanyl patches already in use, and for the first time fentanyl tablets, as well as the expanded use of injectable and tablet hydromorphone in clinical settings. A reference will not be required.
Officials indicated that the program would be available in clinics that currently prescribe alternatives to illicit drugs. These offers could be expanded pending implementation plans to be communicated by health authorities at the end of the month.
Doctors who are reluctant to prescribe medications to addicts should receive training and prescribed medications would be covered by pharmacare (PharmaCare).
The provincial coroners' service reports that 851 people are presumed to have died from drug-induced toxicity between January and May, surpassing the previous record of 704 deaths reported for the corresponding months in 2017 by almost 21%.
CANADIENNE PRESS
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