Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
@odprn.bsky.social
The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network provides timely, high quality drug policy research impacting societal outcomes & improving healthcare systems
NEW ODPRN study found that nearly 60% of patients who began take-home methadone treatment during the first month of COVID-19 switched back to daily supervised dosing within 6 months.
Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
#methadone #OAT
Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
#methadone #OAT
November 10, 2025 at 3:26 PM
NEW ODPRN study found that nearly 60% of patients who began take-home methadone treatment during the first month of COVID-19 switched back to daily supervised dosing within 6 months.
Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
#methadone #OAT
Learn more at odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
#methadone #OAT
New 2025 Q2 data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available.
Note that the decrease in Q1&Q2 2025 reflects the continuation of a trend that began in Q3 2024.
Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
Note that the decrease in Q1&Q2 2025 reflects the continuation of a trend that began in Q3 2024.
Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
November 5, 2025 at 5:27 PM
New 2025 Q2 data on #opioid-related deaths in #Ontario from the OCC is now available.
Note that the decrease in Q1&Q2 2025 reflects the continuation of a trend that began in Q3 2024.
Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
Note that the decrease in Q1&Q2 2025 reflects the continuation of a trend that began in Q3 2024.
Data available for download at odprn.ca/occ-opioid-a...
“Opioids have a place in clinical practice, but it’s really about making sure that when they are accessed, [...] people have tried other alternatives, and that they’re prescribed as low dose and short a time period as possible”-Tara Gomes @theglobeandmail.com www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Canada needs to tackle escalating opioid use among young people, doctors say
Physicians fear the crisis will continue to get worse for decades if immediate action is not taken
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:31 PM
“Opioids have a place in clinical practice, but it’s really about making sure that when they are accessed, [...] people have tried other alternatives, and that they’re prescribed as low dose and short a time period as possible”-Tara Gomes @theglobeandmail.com www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
The use of prescription #opioids to treat acute pain has decreased in Canada in recent years. But there’s still a need for national information on prescription opioid use specific to different populations. Read the study led by St. Michael’s researchers here: unityhealth.to/2025/10/opio... @cmaj.ca
October 28, 2025 at 9:24 PM
The use of prescription #opioids to treat acute pain has decreased in Canada in recent years. But there’s still a need for national information on prescription opioid use specific to different populations. Read the study led by St. Michael’s researchers here: unityhealth.to/2025/10/opio... @cmaj.ca
"The vast majority of those deaths are happening among people who are not getting prescribed those opioids but who are accessing the illicit drug supply" - @taragomes.bsky.social talks about our recent study on prescription opioid use for pain in with @thestar.com
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
Opioid prescriptions are going down in Canada, a new study finds. Here’s why
The study reflects “efforts that have been made to promote this more careful and appropriate prescribing across the country,” author says.
www.thestar.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:09 PM
"The vast majority of those deaths are happening among people who are not getting prescribed those opioids but who are accessing the illicit drug supply" - @taragomes.bsky.social talks about our recent study on prescription opioid use for pain in with @thestar.com
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
NEW ODPRN Town Hall report on pharmacists providing Minor Ailments Services in Ontario
Read the report + listen to the audio clips from 6 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall.
odprn.ca/town-halls/m...
#minorailments #pharmacistprescribing #pharmacy
Read the report + listen to the audio clips from 6 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall.
odprn.ca/town-halls/m...
#minorailments #pharmacistprescribing #pharmacy
October 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
NEW ODPRN Town Hall report on pharmacists providing Minor Ailments Services in Ontario
Read the report + listen to the audio clips from 6 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall.
odprn.ca/town-halls/m...
#minorailments #pharmacistprescribing #pharmacy
Read the report + listen to the audio clips from 6 of the individuals who shared live during the Town Hall.
odprn.ca/town-halls/m...
#minorailments #pharmacistprescribing #pharmacy
‼️ APPLICATIONS CLOSE TONIGHT ‼️
Don't forget to submit your application to the FREE ODPRN student training program!
Apply at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't forget to submit your application to the FREE ODPRN student training program!
Apply at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
October 28, 2025 at 2:23 PM
‼️ APPLICATIONS CLOSE TONIGHT ‼️
Don't forget to submit your application to the FREE ODPRN student training program!
Apply at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't forget to submit your application to the FREE ODPRN student training program!
Apply at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
New study examined trends in prescription opioid dispensing for pain across Canada and found declines that aligned with national efforts to promote more appropriate opioid use for pain management.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social
@inesss.qc.ca
@unityhealthto.bsky.social
odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social
@inesss.qc.ca
@unityhealthto.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
New study examined trends in prescription opioid dispensing for pain across Canada and found declines that aligned with national efforts to promote more appropriate opioid use for pain management.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social
@inesss.qc.ca
@unityhealthto.bsky.social
odprn.ca/research/pub...
@icesontario.bsky.social
@inesss.qc.ca
@unityhealthto.bsky.social
The latest Patented Medicine Prices Review Board CompassRx report shows that public drug plan prescription expenditures grew by 7.4% in 2022/23, reaching $14.1 billion.
Details available from the Government of Canada at
www.canada.ca/en/patented-...
Details available from the Government of Canada at
www.canada.ca/en/patented-...
Canadian public drug plan spending grew by $3.4 billion over 5 years, driven by use of higher-cost drugs - Canada.ca
The latest edition of the PMPRB CompassRx report shows that prescription drug expenditure for public drug plans grew by 7.4% in 2022/23 to reach $14.1 billion, compared to $13.2 billion in 2021/22.
www.canada.ca
October 24, 2025 at 5:23 PM
The latest Patented Medicine Prices Review Board CompassRx report shows that public drug plan prescription expenditures grew by 7.4% in 2022/23, reaching $14.1 billion.
Details available from the Government of Canada at
www.canada.ca/en/patented-...
Details available from the Government of Canada at
www.canada.ca/en/patented-...
October 22, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Health Canada has approved an exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for DIY Community Health to operate a drug checking service in Timmins, which aims to provide more locally accurate data regarding the toxic drug crisis.
#timmins
www.timminspress.com/news/new-ini...
#timmins
www.timminspress.com/news/new-ini...
New initiative for testing local drug supply
DIY Community Health receives clearance from Health Canada to collect local samples
www.timminspress.com
October 21, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Health Canada has approved an exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for DIY Community Health to operate a drug checking service in Timmins, which aims to provide more locally accurate data regarding the toxic drug crisis.
#timmins
www.timminspress.com/news/new-ini...
#timmins
www.timminspress.com/news/new-ini...
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
New study co-authored by CP3’s Dr. Katie Suda found that antibiotic durations for common infections in older adults are often longer than guidelines recommend, highlighting opportunities to reduce overuse and improve antimicrobial stewardship.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41050542/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41050542/
October 21, 2025 at 5:06 PM
New study co-authored by CP3’s Dr. Katie Suda found that antibiotic durations for common infections in older adults are often longer than guidelines recommend, highlighting opportunities to reduce overuse and improve antimicrobial stewardship.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41050542/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41050542/
⌛ Less than 2 weeks left to apply to the ODPRN Student Training Program!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to network with leaders in the field of drug policy research and earn a certificate through the ODPRN.
There is no cost to participate in this program!
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to network with leaders in the field of drug policy research and earn a certificate through the ODPRN.
There is no cost to participate in this program!
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
October 17, 2025 at 3:56 PM
⌛ Less than 2 weeks left to apply to the ODPRN Student Training Program!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to network with leaders in the field of drug policy research and earn a certificate through the ODPRN.
There is no cost to participate in this program!
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to network with leaders in the field of drug policy research and earn a certificate through the ODPRN.
There is no cost to participate in this program!
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
October 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Check out our latest research minute highlighting our new study on the effectiveness and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) use among individuals with atrial fibrillation.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
#atrialfibrillation #doac
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
odprn.ca/research/pub...
#atrialfibrillation #doac
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
October 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Check out our latest research minute highlighting our new study on the effectiveness and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) use among individuals with atrial fibrillation.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
#atrialfibrillation #doac
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
odprn.ca/research/pub...
#atrialfibrillation #doac
@icesontario.bsky.social @unityhealthto.bsky.social
Findings from our new study support the real-world effectiveness and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) use among individuals with atrial fibrillation.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
odprn.ca/research/pub...
October 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Findings from our new study support the real-world effectiveness and safety of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) use among individuals with atrial fibrillation.
odprn.ca/research/pub...
odprn.ca/research/pub...
There is still time to apply for the student training program!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and network with expert researchers and ministry representatives in the field of drug policy.
⏳Deadline to apply is October 28
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and network with expert researchers and ministry representatives in the field of drug policy.
⏳Deadline to apply is October 28
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
October 8, 2025 at 1:11 PM
There is still time to apply for the student training program!
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and network with expert researchers and ministry representatives in the field of drug policy.
⏳Deadline to apply is October 28
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn and network with expert researchers and ministry representatives in the field of drug policy.
⏳Deadline to apply is October 28
odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
“Clearly there’s disproportionate harm among First Nations People, clearly they are accessing treatment, but perhaps not always in the best way or a way that is supportive of them,” - @taragomes.bsky.social
@chiefsofontario.bsky.social
@ijbstories.bsky.social
ijb.utoronto.ca/news/governm...
@chiefsofontario.bsky.social
@ijbstories.bsky.social
ijb.utoronto.ca/news/governm...
Ontario opioid deaths nine times higher among First Nations people amid questions over treatment - Investigative Journalism Bureau
The treatment meant to save Niibin Pahpeguish’s life began to feel like a prison. After almost a decade battling an addiction that began with prescribed painkillers and later escalated to street opioi...
ijb.utoronto.ca
October 7, 2025 at 1:57 PM
“Clearly there’s disproportionate harm among First Nations People, clearly they are accessing treatment, but perhaps not always in the best way or a way that is supportive of them,” - @taragomes.bsky.social
@chiefsofontario.bsky.social
@ijbstories.bsky.social
ijb.utoronto.ca/news/governm...
@chiefsofontario.bsky.social
@ijbstories.bsky.social
ijb.utoronto.ca/news/governm...
“We need more resources, not fewer, to protect our people, safeguard our future, and provide the support essential for healing," - said Regional Chief Benedict, speaking about the ODPRN report in collaboration with @chiefsofontario.bsky.social
chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nation...
chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nation...
First Nations people in Ontario disproportionately affected by opioid crisis, new report shows - Chiefs of Ontario
(Toronto, Ont.–Oct. 6, 2025) Opioids are killing and harming First Nations people in Ontario at an alarming rate much higher than non-First Nations people in the province, according to a new report re...
chiefs-of-ontario.org
October 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
“We need more resources, not fewer, to protect our people, safeguard our future, and provide the support essential for healing," - said Regional Chief Benedict, speaking about the ODPRN report in collaboration with @chiefsofontario.bsky.social
chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nation...
chiefs-of-ontario.org/first-nation...
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
The Drug Policy Student Training Program provides students with free access to online training and incredible networking opportunities with expert leaders in the field of drug policy. Applications for our 2026 cohort is open, apply today at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
September 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The Drug Policy Student Training Program provides students with free access to online training and incredible networking opportunities with expert leaders in the field of drug policy. Applications for our 2026 cohort is open, apply today at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
How do drug shortages affect medication use?
A study by Araniy Santhireswaran & Prof. Mina Tadrous @pharmacy.utoronto.ca reviewed studies on drug shortages & found that drug shortages often lead to significant reductions in drug utilization.
🔗Read more
bit.ly/4nRoc62
A study by Araniy Santhireswaran & Prof. Mina Tadrous @pharmacy.utoronto.ca reviewed studies on drug shortages & found that drug shortages often lead to significant reductions in drug utilization.
🔗Read more
bit.ly/4nRoc62
September 26, 2025 at 7:56 PM
How do drug shortages affect medication use?
A study by Araniy Santhireswaran & Prof. Mina Tadrous @pharmacy.utoronto.ca reviewed studies on drug shortages & found that drug shortages often lead to significant reductions in drug utilization.
🔗Read more
bit.ly/4nRoc62
A study by Araniy Santhireswaran & Prof. Mina Tadrous @pharmacy.utoronto.ca reviewed studies on drug shortages & found that drug shortages often lead to significant reductions in drug utilization.
🔗Read more
bit.ly/4nRoc62
Dashboards on the Ontario Opioid Indicator Tool has been updated with annual and monthly/quarterly data up to March 2025!
All data available at
odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
All data available at
odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
September 23, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Dashboards on the Ontario Opioid Indicator Tool has been updated with annual and monthly/quarterly data up to March 2025!
All data available at
odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
All data available at
odprn.ca/ontario-opio...
Reposted by Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
💊 Taking multiple medications? 5 questions to ask
To mark Canadian Patient Safety Week, join our free webinar to learn 5 key questions to ask about your medications.
📅 Oct 29th at 12 PM ET (English) / 2 PM ET (French)
🔗 Register: deprescribingnetwork.ca/5q-webinar
Open to all audiences!
To mark Canadian Patient Safety Week, join our free webinar to learn 5 key questions to ask about your medications.
📅 Oct 29th at 12 PM ET (English) / 2 PM ET (French)
🔗 Register: deprescribingnetwork.ca/5q-webinar
Open to all audiences!
September 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
💊 Taking multiple medications? 5 questions to ask
To mark Canadian Patient Safety Week, join our free webinar to learn 5 key questions to ask about your medications.
📅 Oct 29th at 12 PM ET (English) / 2 PM ET (French)
🔗 Register: deprescribingnetwork.ca/5q-webinar
Open to all audiences!
To mark Canadian Patient Safety Week, join our free webinar to learn 5 key questions to ask about your medications.
📅 Oct 29th at 12 PM ET (English) / 2 PM ET (French)
🔗 Register: deprescribingnetwork.ca/5q-webinar
Open to all audiences!
Ontario expands pharmacists’ scope and plans broader roles for optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists & more. These changes aim to boost access, cut wait times & ease pressure on ERs and family doctors. #ONhealth #Pharmacy
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
Ontario Newsroom
news.ontario.ca
September 19, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Ontario expands pharmacists’ scope and plans broader roles for optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists & more. These changes aim to boost access, cut wait times & ease pressure on ERs and family doctors. #ONhealth #Pharmacy
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
The Drug Policy Student Training Program provides students with free access to online training and incredible networking opportunities with expert leaders in the field of drug policy. Applications for our 2026 cohort is open, apply today at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...
September 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The Drug Policy Student Training Program provides students with free access to online training and incredible networking opportunities with expert leaders in the field of drug policy. Applications for our 2026 cohort is open, apply today at odprn.ca/about-us/stu...