As of February 1st, the methadone provided by pharmacists in BC has changed to a solution that is 10 times more concentrated so patients will receive a smaller volume to drink, only one-tenth of what they used to receive. The new formula, called Methadose, is also a different colour, red and cherry-flavoured instead of orange. Because of the increase in concentration, there is a risk of overdose among prescription users and those who buy it on the street so we are encouraging everyone to help raise awareness about this change.
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The new Methadose comes pre-mixed or compounded so pharmacists will no longer need to prepare the solution themselves. People in the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program may ingest the drug right at the pharmacy or it can be prescribed to take home as “carries.” These carries are now dispensed in small, child-proof bottles each containing a daily dose of the cherry-flavoured liquid. The bottles do not need refrigeration running the extra risk that they could be mistaken for cough syrup or other over-the-counter medication. Methadone should be stored in locked boxes away from the reach of children or pets.
Same Medicine, Different Taste, 10 Times More Concentrated
It is important that the public, particularly those who are on methadone maintenance therapy, be aware of the changes and take extra caution during this transition. There are almost 15,000 people enrolled in BC’s MMT program to help ease withdrawal symptoms and treat their addiction to heroin or other opioid drugs. MMT is recognized internationally as among the most effective treatments for opioid dependency.
Providing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is estimated to save $39,000 per person each year in the social costs associated with opioid addiction, such as drug-related crime, jail time and medical treatment.
Number of people who took part in B.C.’s 2012-2013 MMT
about 14,800Annual cost to provide MMT
$6,000 per personEstimated cost of not providing
$45,000 per person
Harm Reduction Site Finder
We’ve developed an online tool to help service providers and the general public find out where they can pick up sterile supplies for safe injection and inhalation, as well as get naloxone training in their communities.
Our heartfelt gratitude to the amazing GIS team at BCCDC. Thank you Sunny Mak, Charles Fritz and Mieke Fraser for all your efforts in making this possible!
Take Home Naloxone Program Infographic
Naloxone is a safe and effective medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose. The BC Centre for Disease Control launched the BC Take Home Naloxone (THN) pilot program in August 2012 to provide overdose prevention and response training to people at risk and their friends and family. It is the only provincial program that has been continuously operational for 18 months. Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital is the first Canadian ER to provide training and dispense kits to people who come in due to an opioid overdose. With 85 overdose reversals, 1,318 people trained and 836 naloxone kits dispensed so far, it's off to a great start!
