Resource Round-up: Opioids & harm reduction
Pharmacists across the country are on the front line of the opioid crisis and are often the first health-care provider to observe signs of opioid use disorder. From assessing new and long-term prescriptions to identifying patients with risk factors and educating patients with harm reduction strategies, pharmacists play a key role balancing safety with decreased pain and overall improvement to quality of life.
Our practice resources related to opioids and harm reduction are designed to support you in your role as an opioid steward.
Naloxone
- How to give naloxone spray – Video
- Administering Naloxone Nasal Spray – Infographic
- How to give a naloxone injection – Video
- Official Naloxone Nasal Spray Canadian product information
- Frequently asked questions about naloxone – Real-world questions from pharmacists, service providers and community members about naloxone to help you in your practice (Canadian Pharmacists Journal)
- Canadian national consensus guidelines for naloxone prescribing by pharmacists – Recommendations for pharmacists on the use and distribution of naloxone. (Canadian Pharmacists Journal)
Controlled Substances Regulations
On October 1, 2026, Health Canada’s new Controlled Substances Regulations (CSR) will come into force, replacing multiple existing federal regulations and incorporating key temporary exemptions into a single, modernized framework. The pandemic-era subsection 56(1) class exemption for patients, practitioners and pharmacists will end September 30, 2026.
- Controlled Substances Regulations information and resources – Information on the new federal regulations, including key changes affecting pharmacy practice and resources to help pharmacists prepare.
- CDSA and the Controlled Substance Regulations – A chart outlining how key pharmacist authorities related to controlled substances are enabled across Canada.
Health Canada - CSR resources
- Information sessions – Health Canada is offering information sessions on the changes taking effect under the new CSR.
- Controlled Substances Regulations – Final regulations and Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement in the Canada Gazette, Part II.
- Implementation guide (Coming soon) – Health Canada is expected to publish additional guidance for community pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Opioid stewardship
- Addressing Opioid Stigma in Pharmacies: Strategies for Pharmacy Professionals Toolkit (February 2024, CAMH)
Our Resource Round-up series gathers available resources and practice tools on important health topics to help you in your practice. This is not an exhaustive list of available resources on opioids and harm reduction. Something missing? If you have information, tools or resources you think we should include, please let us know at practicedevelopment@pharmacists.ca.
Last updated September 2026