Druggists are alerting customers that the impending “Section 1” of the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act goes into effect in Ontario November 1. It may provide a few surprises for anyone prescribed narcotics. The new act is an attempt to avoid abuse of opiads prescribed to those needing them. One rather surprising inconvenience, we’re told, will be the requirement for patients to identify themselves each time they pick up a narcotic prescription – no matter how well known he may be to the pharmacist. Also, a husband will not be able to pick up one of these prescriptions for his wife. She will have to do this in person. How it works if one is ill and cannot get to the drugstore, is not all that apparent. It might be a good idea if you are prescribed such drugs from time to time, or if you are helping a relative by picking up prescriptions, to find out from a pharmacist just how Section 1 may impact you.
