Fentanyl patch-4-patch program expands in northeastern Ontario

A community based fentanyl patch return program is expanding.

The Sault Ste. Marie and Area Drug Misuse Strategy Committee is now requiring patients to return used pain patches back to the pharmacy before receiving new ones.

There are similar programs in Espanola, Little Current and North Bay. Greater Sudbury Police report they’re working toward putting the program in place.

The program was developed in response to an increase in the misuse, illegal use, trafficking and overdose related to these patches over the last few years. 

Fentanyl is a painkiller 100 times more potent than morphine. It is 40 times stronger than heroin.

“Pharmacists in Ontario are very concerned with the escalating trends in prescribing and dispensing of fentanyl products, and even more concerned about their diversion and unauthorized use on the street,” said  Allan Malek, senior vice president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association.

“Greater controls are necessary, and the patch-4-patch initiative is a terrific and collaborative start.”

Sault Police Chief Robert Keetch agreed, and said police know illegal drug use and the misuse of prescription medications is a concern. 

“We as the police know we can’t do it all ourselves,” he said, “so it is encouraging to see the community as a whole working together."