Headline
Tool outlines expert recommendations to improve access to medications for opioid use disorder within community pharmacies.
Background
Pharmacists can play a role in increasing access to medications for opioid use disorder, like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. This tool presents guidance and recommendations to support pharmacists who administer these medications in community settings, with a specific focus on buprenorphine.
About this Tool
This tool includes guidance and recommendations, which were developed by an expert panel, on:
- Maintaining an adequate supply of buprenorphine in a pharmacy;
- Using a state’s prescription drug monitoring program as a tool to supplement clinical judgment when reviewing a buprenorphine prescription;
- Allowing medication to be administered or refilled early, including through telehealth;
- Connecting with prescribing providers to minimize disruptions in care; and
- Improving a pharmacy’s policies and training to reduce stigma and promote the use of clinical judgement with medication administration.
Policy/Program Takeaways
This tool can support pharmacists, as well as pharmacy students and pharmacies of various sizes, to assess the prevalence of opioid use disorder in their community and implement approaches to support individuals who need medication for opioid use disorder.