What are the requirements for dispensing methadone?
The prescribing of methadone in this province is becoming more frequent, particularly with the increased use of this drug in palliative care settings. In many cases pharmacists who are not familiar with the dispensing of methadone are seeking information and guidelines in this respect. Health Canada has issued guidelines with respect to the dispensing of methadone for the treatment of opioid dependence. At this time, similar guidelines for the dispensing of methadone for pain management have not been issued. Only practitioners exempted under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act may prescribe methadone for patients under their professional treatment. Usually a listing of practitioners so authorized is not published, however, a pharmacist wishing to confirm that a prescribing physician is in fact authorized may contact the Office of Controlled Substances. While physicians must be specifically authorized to prescribe methadone, any pharmacist (other than a pharmacist spec
