The Opioid Epidemic in Canada: What Can We Do?

In this episode, we discuss the opioid epidemic in Canada and the use of naloxone, a life-saving drug that is used to prevent death from opioid overdose, with pharmacists: Dr. Ross Tsuyuki and Mark Barnes. Dr. Ross Tsuyuki - professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta.Mark Barnes  - owner of Respect Rx  Pharmacies in Ottawa.Our episode includes a discussion of:The extent of the opioid epidemic in Canada and how COVID-19 has impacted the number of opioid-related deaths.The use of the drug, naloxone, to prevent death from respiratory depression caused by opioid overdose. Naloxone is distributed as a nasal spray or injection kit and is supplied by pharmacists. The unique role of pharmacists in the distribution of naloxone  for the fight against the opioid epidemic. Who should be given a naloxone kit and its relevance in general for anyone prescribed opioids. The development of the first published guidelines for Canadian pharmacists on prescribing naloxone. The guidelines  can be found here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1715163520949973. **If you enjoy our podcast, please take the time to rate our podcast and subscribe**For more great podcasts and other features, visit our website at: www.impactmedicom.com.