Pharmacists in Iceland advocate for expanded role in opioid addiction treatment

Pharmacists in Iceland are advocating for a more active role in maintaining treatment for opioid addiction. According to Sigurbjörg Sæunn Guðmundsdóttir, chair of the Icelandic Pharmacists’ Association, involving pharmacists in this area could enhance access to necessary treatments.

Iris Gunnarsdóttir, the association’s vice-chair, highlighted that many individuals face barriers when seeking medications from specialized treatment centers, such as Vog. She noted, “Pharmacies are more accessible, and it would be a much smaller leap to visit a nearby pharmacy rather than always traveling to Vog.”

Sigurbjörg emphasized the importance of supporting individuals who might otherwise resort to the black market for drugs, stating, “Assisting these individuals in accessing their treatment reduces the likelihood of misuse and overdosing.”

The pharmacists’ proposal seeks to integrate their expertise into the healthcare system to better address the opioid crisis, promoting safer and more effective recovery paths for those struggling with addiction.