As a pharmacist, you play a significant role in determining the outcome of patients' opioid-dependence treatment. For instance, you come in contact with people who are just starting their treatment, and taking a supportive stance may have a powerful effect on their efforts toward recovery. Also, physicians will look to you to partner with them throughout treatment so that patient outcomes can be optimized.

Your role in assisting patients and physicians may include:

• Learning about opioid dependence and its treatment
• Understanding and feeling at ease with people affected by opioid dependence
• Referring patients with opioid dependence to appropriate treatment facilities or physicians who are certified to prescribe buprenorphine for office-based treatment
• Advising patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications
• Maintaining appropriate records and protecting patient confidentiality
• Counseling patients about side effects and potential drug-drug interactions

One critical role of the pharmacist, together with the prescribing physician, is consulting with patients so that they understand what they need to know about the new medication they will be taking as part of their treatment for opioid dependence.