Methadone is a drug that can be used to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings in people who are dealing with opioid drug addiction. Beginning November 9th, FNHA clients on methadone maintenance therapy will be included in Health Canada's Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP).
The Prescription Monitoring Program is intended to ensure that clients receiving methadone are being prescribed safe and appropriate combinations of drugs. The Prescription Monitoring Program was created to enhance client safety and reduce misuse of prescription medications which include benzodiazepines, opioids, stimulants and gabapentin.
The Prescription Monitoring Program is designed to identify and support clients who receive high doses of these medications, obtain prescriptions through multiple prescribers or access multiple pharmacies.
How it works
When a client is entered into the Prescription Monitoring Program they are asked to choose a single prescriber to write prescriptions for benzodiazepines, opioids, stimulants and/or gabapentin. This prescriber may become the sole prescriber for one or for more of these four classes of drugs.
When all of a client's prescriptions for benzodiazepines, opioids, stimulants and/or gabapentin are limited to a single prescriber, it ensures that the prescriber will be aware of all prescriptions received by the client for these drugs. The prescriber can then work with clients to assess the appropriateness of treatment.
Similar measures are already in place in other parts of Canada.
In the case that a client moves or is disconnected from their sole prescriber, temporary coverage may be granted on a case-by-case basis to smooth the transition to a new sole prescriber.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the new safety measures for methadone, please contact First Nations Health Benefits at 1.800.317.7878.
