'It makes me sick': fake fentanyl patches circulate in northern Ontario

The provincial system to safely return prescribed fentanyl patches is being abused in northern Ontario.

Provincial police toldCBC News they are investigating counterfeit patches in Smooth Rock Falls, a community about five hours north of Sudbury.

Fentanyl patches are commonly prescribed for pain management, but police say they've received reports of patients turning in fake patches for real ones.

"Opioids are used everywhere," says Sgt. Carlo Berardi.

"Whether it's a significant problem in higher density areas, I'munaware of that in terms of occurences, but they are in the north."

Provincial system meant to control drug

This is a direct abuse of the province's "Patch 4 Patch" program, a mandatory system used in Ontario to ensure patients return every fentanylpatch they're prescribed.

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"It really makes me feel kind of sick," says Pat Cliche, thechair of North Bay Area Drug Strategy Committee.

Cliche is a former nurse who had a major role in creating the return system and pushing it to become legislation. She assumes these fake patches are meant to help people circulate real patches on the streets.

"That's like putting a gun in their hand because they're killing a lot of young people," she says.

'This is a business for these people'

The return system includes a consent form that clearly states the patient is aware that it's a criminal offence to alter or counterfeit the patches in any way. To Cliche, this proves these patients know exactly what they're getting into, and how they're not focused on the safety of others.

"This is a business for these people," she says.

"They have no concern for life, as far as I'm concerned. I have no love lost for people who sell and make these drugs."

College provides 'tools' to help pharmacists find fakes

Pharmacists are required to report any patch they deem a fake to police. Cliche says the pharmacists in her area have reported fakes before, and they're getting better at identifying counterfeit patches.

A spokesperson for the Ontario College of Pharmacists tells CBC News that they are aware that fake patches are being brought in, and try to help their members identify them.

"The College has developed and regularlycommunicatespractice toolsand other resources for pharmacy professionals to help them provide appropriate care and support for patients who have been prescribed narcotics while helping them prevent fraudulent activity such as the return of fake patches," the spokesperson wrote in an email.

"Pharmacy professionals will focus on things such as packaging and on monitoring for higher than expected frequency and/or number of patches being returned."

Pharmacists and physicians need to team up

Cliche saysit's up to pharmacists to call the patient's doctor if they suspect that person is involved in counterfeit patches.

"If the physician is not part of the plan, how do they know? They just keep writing a prescription," she says.

The patches have been in high demand in northern Ontario since fentanyl started hitting the streets. Cliche says she believes the patch system works, but health professionals should consider limiting the number of prescriptions they give to patients.

"They should be looking at other things to provide for pain to people," she says.

"We're not saying fentanyl should never be used for people in severe pain. If I complain I have a sore back, don't start me out immediately on fentanyl patches."

OPP say their investigation in Smooth Rock Falls is ongoing, and no charges have been laid at this time.