Worries about Fentanyl overdoses prompt health unit to begin Patch 4 Patch program

Prompted by concerns about fentanyl overdoses, the Grey Bruce Health Unit has introduced the Fentanyl Patch Return Program, also known as Patch 4 Patch.

This program requires patients to return used patches to their pharmacy before they can receive more. The program sees the doctor, pharmacist and patient working together to ensure safe and responsible use of fentanyl patches.

Fentanyl, a Schedule II prescription drug, is a powerful synthetic opiate analgesic similar to, but more potent than, morphine. It is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, or to manage pain after surgery. It is also sometimes used to treat people with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to opiates.

 

“Misuse of fentanyl patches is linked to a growing number of overdoses.” says Dr. Hazel Lynn, Grey Bruce medical officer of health “Our goal is to increase community safety by keeping fentanyl in the hands of the patients for whom it is prescribed.”

 

The chief coroner reports 549 deaths associated with fentanyl in Ontario from 2009-13. In Grey Bruce, there were nine deaths due to fentanyl overdose from 2010-14.

 

Together, the Grey Bruce Health Unit, Owen Sound Police Service, OPP, West Grey Police Service, Saugeen Shores Police Service, Hanover Police Service, local physicians and pharmacists are implementing a Fentanyl Patch Return Program in Grey Bruce. Similar programs have proven successful in many other communities across the province.