Controlled Substances (Narcotics, Controlled Drugs and Targeted Substances)

Pharmacist must follow federal regulations for the provision (sale) and procurement (ordering and purchasing) of controlled substances. Provincially, opioids and controlled substances (i.e., drugs in the schedules to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) are considered monitored drugs and subject to the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act.

Below is a list of resources to help pharmacists navigate and comply with the relevant legislation governing controlled substances.

For resources related to opioids and opioid agonist treatment with methadone or buprenorphine please refer to the Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder practice tool.

• E-learning module – Application in Practice: The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption
• E-learning module – Reconciliation of Controlled Substances
• Fact Sheet ‒ Controlled Substances: Destruction of Unserviceable Stock and Post-Consumer Returns
• Fact Sheet ‒ Controlled Substances: Orders, Purchases & Sales (Federal)
• Fact Sheet ‒ Controlled Substances: Purchase & Sales Record Requirements (Federal)
• Fact Sheet ‒ Controlled Substances: Reporting Loss or Theft
• Fact Sheet ‒ Controlled Substances: Security and Reconciliation
• Fact Sheet ‒ Forgery: Management and Reporting of Fraudulent Prescriptions
• Fact Sheet ‒ Forgery: Tips for Identifying Fraudulent Prescriptions
• Fact Sheet ‒ Patch-For-Patch Fentanyl Return Program
• Fact Sheet ‒ Prescription Refills, Part-Fills and Intervals