News Release: Minister Ambrose to consult Canadians on regulating tamper-resistant properties for prescription drugs
June 2014
Prescription drug abuse is a serious public health and safety issue for many communities across Canada.
Prescription drugs are now the third most commonly abused substance among Canadian youth, after alcohol and marijuana. Prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose and death. The impact on individuals, families and communities is often devastating.
Among the most commonly abused prescription drugs are opioid pain relievers, which contain controlled substances such as oxycodone. Canadian consumption of prescribed opioids has quadrupled since 2000. Opioid products come in several presentations and all forms can be abused. However, controlled release tablets typically include higher amounts of the active ingredient, making them more attractive for abuse.
Drug tampering is an activity that enables the administration of higher doses of the drug, which is a dangerous and potentially lethal practice. Tampering methods include crushing, separating, purifying or chemically altering specific formulations to allow changes in dosage and desired effect. In response, pharmaceutical companies have started to develop formulations of opioids designed to provide barriers to drug abuse, while ensuring that they remain available for patients who really need them.
The Standing Committee on Health (HESA) recently completed a comprehensive study on prescription drug abuse which recommended the Government consider the merits of tamper-resistant drugs in addressing prescription drug abuse.
As part of the Government's approach to addressing prescription drug abuse, Health Canada will be consulting with Canadians on proposed regulations, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, that would require that drugs at high risk for abuse, like controlled-release oxycodone, have tamper-resistant properties before they can be sold in Canada.
Canadians can read the proposed requirements in the Notice of Intent (NoI) to Interested Parties. A formal 60-day consultation period will begin when the NoI is published in Canada Gazette, Part I later this month. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments online or via regular mail.
The Government will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders across the health care system to tackle this complex social issue.
