Module 2: Basic Pharmacology of Controlled Drugs and Substances

Lesson 2

Buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone (cont’d)

Either form is available in tablet or sublingual pill form. NPs are advised to check with their jurisdictional regulatory body to ensure they have authority to prescribe buprenorphine. This medication does not require a Health Canada Section 56 exemption; however, some jurisdictional regulatory bodies have either chosen not to extend prescriptive authority to NPs at this time for these agents or have specific educational requirements prior to granting authority. Clinicians should review prescriptive authority requirements in their respective provinces.