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Opioid agonist treatment (OAT)

Treatment that meets you with respect

If you are on opioid agonist treatment, or thinking about starting, Carebridge is a pharmacy where you will be treated with dignity and never judged. We dispense and support OAT medications, offer daily dispensing and witnessed doses when needed, work directly with your prescriber, and keep everything private. You set the pace; we make the medication side simple and safe.

Talk to a pharmacist How we help

No judgment, ever Private and confidential Daily dispensing and carries

A calm, private pharmacy consultation corner for opioid agonist treatment support at Carebridge Pharmacy in Vancouver

In plain language

What is opioid agonist treatment?

Opioid agonist treatment, or OAT, uses prescribed medications to treat opioid use disorder. These medications ease cravings and withdrawal, help steady your day, and greatly lower the risk of overdose. OAT is a recognized, evidence-based, first-line treatment, and it works. It is not a moral question or a matter of willpower; it is healthcare, and you deserve it delivered with respect.

Carebridge is the pharmacy side of that care. A licensed prescriber decides on and prescribes your medication; we dispense it safely, support you day to day, and coordinate with your prescriber or clinic so the whole thing runs smoothly. You are always free to choose your pharmacy, and we would be glad to be yours.

For information, not promotion

Medications we dispense and support

Carebridge dispenses all opioid agonist treatment medications approved by BC PharmaCare. Which medication is right for you is a decision made with your prescriber. This is general information, not advice or advertising.

Buprenorphine based

Buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone and generics), taken as a daily film or tablet
Extended-release buprenorphine injection (Sublocade), a monthly injection given by a clinician
Often a first-line option, with a strong safety profile

Other options

Methadone, a daily liquid, long established in OAT
Slow-release oral morphine (such as Kadian), where a prescriber directs
Your prescriber chooses based on your history, goals, and what works for you

Carebridge does not prescribe OAT and does not decide your medication or dose; that is your prescriber's role. We dispense exactly what is prescribed, safely and privately, and we are here to answer questions along the way.

How Carebridge supports you

The medication side, made steady and simple

We handle the day-to-day so your treatment stays on track, in whatever way works for you.

Daily dispensing

One safe day at a time

We can dispense your medication daily so there is never a large supply to manage, which supports both safety and routine, exactly as your prescriber directs.

Witnessed doses

Supported, private dosing

When your prescription calls for witnessed doses, we provide them discreetly and respectfully, in a way that protects your privacy and your dignity.

Carries

Take-home doses when approved

As your prescriber approves take-home doses, we prepare your carries clearly and safely, so more of your treatment fits around your life.

Coordination

We work with your prescriber

We stay in close contact with your prescriber or clinic, handle changes promptly, and keep your treatment seamless behind the scenes.

Take-home naloxone

Free naloxone kits

Carebridge is a registered site in the BC Take Home Naloxone program. We provide free naloxone kits and show you how to use them, so you and the people around you are protected.

Delivery and packaging

Support that comes to you

Where appropriate, we offer discreet delivery and clear packaging for any other medications you take, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Starting or switching pharmacies

Easy to start with us, and easy to move.

Whether you are already on OAT and want a pharmacy that treats you well, or you are just starting out, we make the pharmacy side straightforward.

Already on OAT: ask us to transfer your prescription, and we handle it with your prescriber and current pharmacy
Just starting: your prescriber sends your prescription to us and we take it from there
Bring your own prescription, or ask your doctor to fax it to us directly. We do not provide prescribers; your care stays with your own doctor or clinic
Everything is confidential, and switching to us is always your choice and never a hassle

Talk to a pharmacist

Cost and coverage

Most OAT treatments are covered by BC PharmaCare. Our pharmacist can check your coverage and advise you, or let your doctor know if any additional steps are needed. If cost is a worry, tell us, and we will work through the options with you. Care should not be out of reach.

For prescribers and clinics

Carebridge is a reliable OAT dispensing partner: dependable witnessed dosing and carries, careful documentation, prompt communication on missed doses and changes, and coordinated care for your patients. Send prescriptions or reach us directly, and we will confirm and follow up.

Submit a prescription

Fax to Carebridge(604) 875-6808

Opioid agonist treatment, answered

What medications do you dispense for OAT?

Carebridge dispenses all opioid agonist treatment medications approved by BC PharmaCare, including buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone), extended-release buprenorphine injection (Sublocade), methadone, and slow-release oral morphine. Which one is right for you is decided with your prescriber.

Do you offer witnessed doses and daily dispensing?

Yes. When your prescription calls for daily dispensing or witnessed doses, we provide them discreetly and respectfully. As your prescriber approves take-home doses, we prepare your carries safely. Everything follows your prescription.

Is it confidential?

Yes. Your care is private and handled with respect. Witnessed dosing is done discreetly, and your information is protected under BC and Canadian privacy law and stored in Canada.

Can I transfer my OAT prescription to Carebridge?

Yes, and it is easy. Ask us to transfer your prescription and we coordinate with your prescriber and your current pharmacy. You are always free to choose your pharmacy, and switching to us is confidential and simple.

Do you provide naloxone?

Yes. Carebridge is a registered site in the BC Take Home Naloxone program. We provide free naloxone kits and show you and your loved ones how to use them, so you are protected against overdose.

Is OAT covered, and what does it cost?

Most OAT treatments are covered by BC PharmaCare. Our pharmacist can check your coverage and advise you, or let your doctor know if any additional steps are needed. If cost is a barrier, tell us and we will help you find a way.

How do I start?

Bring your prescription to us, or ask your doctor to fax it to Carebridge directly. We do not provide prescribers; your OAT care stays with your own doctor or clinic, and we handle the pharmacy side. A pharmacist is glad to talk it through with no pressure.

A pharmacy that has your back

Talk to a pharmacist about starting or transferring your OAT. No judgment, full privacy, and steady support for as long as you need it.

Talk to a pharmacist Call (604) 876-6410

If you need help now

If you or someone with you may be having an overdose, call 911 right away and use naloxone if you have it. For support with substance use in British Columbia, help is available around the clock. Carebridge dispenses and supports OAT; we do not prescribe it. A licensed prescriber directs your treatment, and we are here for the pharmacy side, with respect and without judgment.

Reviewed by Arash Pourzare, Pharm.D, and Behnaz Alijani, Pharm.D, pharmacists at Carebridge Pharmacy, Vancouver. Last reviewed: July 2026.