Forward Regulatory Plan 2021-2023: Proposed Regulations Amending the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to make all products containing codeine available by prescription only while ensuring continued access to these medications
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Proposed Regulations Amending the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to make all products containing codeine available by prescription only while ensuring continued access to these medications
Enabling Act
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Description
In 2017, Health Canada proposed to amend the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to require a prescription for all products containing codeine.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Not Applicable
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
Stakeholders that would be impacted by the proposed change in prescription status of low-dose codeine include pharmacies, industry, Canadians, and health professionals.
Consultations
Canadians had the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes that would require all products containing codeine to be sold by prescription only during the 60- day public comment period on a Notice to Interested Parties, which was published in the Canada Gazette , Part I, on September 9, 2017.
During the public consultation period, Health Canada received feedback from a number of individuals who indicated that requiring a prescription would negatively impact their ability to access a medication they have come to rely on, including for the treatment of pain.
The Government of Canada recognizes the impacts and challenges faced by the approximately one in five Canadians who live with chronic pain, including the impacts this can have on their physical and mental health.
Having carefully considered the feedback received during the public consultation and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Canadians may experience additional difficulties accessing a primary care provider, Health Canada does not intend to proceed with this regulatory proposal at this time.
Further information
Additional information can be requested from the Departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Jennifer Pelley
Acting Director
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-410-3793
Email: hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
October 1, 2018
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