PHARMACISTS can play a larger role in reducing harm from drugs of abuse, according to a report released by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
The report describes harm reduction services such as needle exchange and opioid substitution in different regions and countries, including Europe, the USA, Canada, central Asia and the Middle East.
FIP's Working Group on Pharmacists' Role in Harm Reduction, which put the report together, would like pharmacy organisations to engage with policymakers and health authorities to remove barriers to more involvement of pharmacists in harm reduction services.
Against a background of shifting policies on marijuana around the world, the report also addresses questions over the supply from pharmacies of marijuana or cannabinoid-containing products for medicinal or recreational use.
Harm reduction principles could drive policies around supply but must take into account potential damage to pharmacists' public image, the report emphasised.
Visit fip.org to access the report.
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