RECOMMENDATION 1

Health Canada consider the merits of tamper-resistant formulations in addressing prescription drug abuse.

RECOMMENDATION 2

Health Canada consider amending its regulatory and policy framework for the approval of prescription drugs to allow for the inclusion of evidence related to the risks of the drug in populations for which it is not intended.

RECOMMENDATION 3

Health Canada take into consideration decisions made in other jurisdictions related to the approval of prescription drugs, whether generic or brand-name equivalents, with addiction potential.

RECOMMENDATION 4

Health Canada take action with regard to drug labels for prescription drugs with addiction potential so that they more accurately reflect risks and safety concerns.

RECOMMENDATION 5

Health Canada review, in cooperation with stakeholders, inappropriate marketing practices that have an effect on prescribing practices.

RECOMMENDATION 6

Health Canada consider undertaking a review of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, in consultation with stakeholders, to determine whether the Act needs to be modernized to enhance the ability of governments, health care providers and law enforcement to respond more effectively to prescription drug abuse in Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 7

Health Canada, in collaboration with stakeholders, develop national guidelines for the safe disposal of prescription drugs that contain substances regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

RECOMMENDATION 8

The federal government continue to implement its National Anti-Drug Strategy with consideration to the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse`s pan-Canadian strategy entitled First Do No Harm: Responding to Canada’s Prescription Drug Crisis.

RECOMMENDATION 9

Health Canada work with stakeholders to share the Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Cancer Pain with regulatory bodies as a possible best practice to evaluate the prescribing practices of health care practitioners.

RECOMMENDATION 10

The federal government endeavour to share best practices across jurisdictions on the prescribing of drugs with addiction potential.

RECOMMENDATION 11

The federal government develop public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse.

RECOMMENDATION 12

Health Canada examine the risks and benefits of naloxone in addressing prescription drug abuse and consider amending the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to allow for Good Samaritan legislation, as utilized in the United States.

RECOMMENDATION 13

Health Canada work with provinces and territories to evaluate existing prescription drug monitoring systems across Canada and in other countries to identify best practices in this area.

RECOMMENDATION 14

Health Canada and the Canadian Institute for Health Information work with stakeholders to identify national standards for data collection for prescription drug monitoring systems across the country.

RECOMMENDATION 15

Health Canada work with stakeholders, provinces and territories to identify best practices in the monitoring of adverse drug reactions and drug overdoses.

RECOMMENDATION 16

Health Canada continue to direct funding in the National Anti-Drug Strategy to support the provision of community-based prevention and treatment services that are culturally based.

RECOMMENDATION 17

Health Canada work with provinces and territories to assess multi-disciplinary and alternative pain management programs in rural and remote areas to ensure that they have access to comprehensive pain management systems.

RECOMMENDATION 18

Health Canada work with territorial governments and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse to collect Inuit-specific data to inform an Inuit-specific approach to the issues surrounding prescription drug abuse.

RECOMMENDATION 19

Health Canada, in collaboration with addiction experts and individuals in recovery from addiction, work to address the stigma associated with addiction.

RECOMMENDATION 20

The federal government target funds through the National Anti-Drug Strategy to establish an awareness campaign focusing on the risks associated with prescription drug abuse and how to properly and security store, monitor and dispose of prescription drugs.