Pharmacists' contributions to the management of opioid use disorder

Clinicians continue to work toward ending the opioid‐related overdose and death epidemic in the United States. Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by an overpowering desire to use opioids despite serious adverse effects, impairment, or distress. Management of OUD requires team‐based care. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to contribute to the management of OUD in all stages and have demonstrated positive outcomes. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals in community settings, and they practice in all settings across the health care continuum. However, opportunities exist to bridge the disparity between the demand for treatment and its availability. Regulatory barriers limit innovation and expansion of pharmacy services. This white paper describes pharmacists' contributions to the management of OUD and identifies opportunities to leverage pharmacists within the health care landscape to improve patient outcomes.