Friday Five (August 15, 2025)

The August 15, 2025 edition of the Friday Five is now available.

  1. Clarification on Adapting Prescriptions During the Shortage of Acetaminophen with Oxycodone and Codeine  
  2. Reminder to Enter Your Professional Development Learning Activities Before Renewal 
  3. Join a CPhM Committee 
  4. Prepare Your Registrant Profile for Renewal   
  5. Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events

Clarification on Adapting Prescriptions During the Shortage of Acetaminophen with Oxycodone and Codeine  

With the national shortage of acetaminophen with oxycodone and acetaminophen with codeine, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has received questions regarding pharmacist responsibilities related to prescribing and adapting of codeine and oxycodone. 

While pharmacists are able to adapt CDSA drugs as long as the total amount of milligrams prescribed is not exceeded (see s 2.4 of the Practice Direction: Adaptation of a Prescription), adaptation currently involves the pharmacist issuing a new prescription (as per s 2.5.1 of the Practice Direction: Adaptation of a Prescription), which a pharmacist cannot do for oxycodone or codeine, as they are listed on the M3P and must meet M3P requirements. As outlined in subsection 77(a) of the Pharmaceutical Regulation, M3P prescriptions must be dated and signed by an authorized practitioner. Under federal legislation (i.e. the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act), pharmacists are not considered authorized practitioners and therefore cannot issue a prescription for drugs listed on the M3P.  

Pharmacists should collaborate with prescribers to identify appropriate alternatives and ensure all M3P prescriptions, including codeine and oxycodone, comply with legal requirements. Patients should be informed about medication changes and the importance of not stockpiling medications. 

For the latest information on drug shortages, visit DrugShortagesCanada.ca. 

Reminder to Enter Your Professional Development Learning Activities Before Renewal  

As we approach the renewal period from October 1 to November 15, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) reminds all pharmacy professionals to ensure that your Professional Development (PD) Log is up to date. 

Keep Your Learning Activities Updated 

Please make sure to enter your learning activities for the current PD reporting cycle.  

IMPORTANT: Please note, the current CEU reporting cycle is from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025. The system will not allow you to enter learning activities outside of this CEU reporting period. 

Here are some helpful tips: 

  • Record Your Activities: List each of your learning activities accurately, answer the reflection questions, and upload your statements of completion or participation.   It is strongly recommended that you upload all your statements (including non-accredited activities), so that you do not need to provide them if chosen for the Annual PD Review. 
  • Use the “SUBMIT” Button: After entering 2-3 activities, click the “SUBMIT” button to save your progress. This helps prevent data loss if the system times out while you are away.  If you experience any technical issues, please report them to registration@cphm.ca and include screenshots if possible.  
  • Complete the Mandatory Learning Activity: Every Manitoba pharmacy professional must complete the annual professional development mandatory module or webinar prior to renewing your registration and licence to practise. This year’s mandatory webinar, “Advancing Equity in Pharmacy: Supporting Gender Diversity and 2SLGBTQ+ Patients”, must be viewed by October 31, 2025. However, it is strongly recommended that you complete it before the renewal period and uploading your certificate to your profile. 
  • New Pharmacy Professionals: If you are new to the field, you must view this year’s webinar and all previous mandatory PD learning activities. 
  • Keep Your Records: Maintain copies of your PD statements of completion and supporting documents for three years and be prepared to provide them if selected for the Annual PD Review. 

Avoid leaving your PD obligations until the end of the PD reporting cycle. 

Pharmacy professionals will not be able to complete their renewal until they have met and entered the minimum PD requirements in the online PD Log.  Once you complete your renewal online, the system will close the current practice year, and you will not be able to add new learning activities or upload more completion documents. More detailed information will be provided at renewal. 

Thank you for your kind attention. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact profdevelopment@cphm.ca. 

Join a CPhM Committee

The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) regulates the pharmacy profession to ensure the public receives safe, ethical care. CPhM is seeking dedicated pharmacy professionals to volunteer on its committees, contributing their expertise to shape pharmacy regulation in Manitoba. 

By joining a committee, pharmacy professionals share their knowledge and experience, work collaboratively with other pharmacy professionals and members of the public, and help to shape pharmacy regulation to protect the public interest in Manitoba. 

CPhM Council appoints committee members, based on the best interests of the organization and its pursuits.  Therefore, submitting an application does not automatically guarantee selection. 

If you, or someone you know, is interested in volunteering or want to make a difference in the public interest, you can find more information about CPhM committees and the Expression of Interest form at https://cphm.ca/about-the-college/committees/. 

Prepare Your Registrant Profile for Renewal   

In preparation to renew registration and licence to practise or listing in the fall (October 1 to November 15), the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) would like to remind all pharmacy professionals to ensure the information on your registrant profile is up to date.  

You will save time during the renewal process if you do the following now:  

  • Review and update your profile information. The Registrant Portal Guide will serve as your reference for what information you can update. To access the guide, follow the instructions below:  
  1. Login to your Registrant Portal 
  2. Go to My Groups  
  3. Select Active Registrants  
  4. Open the Registrant Portal Guide folder   
  • Review and update your profile information, including personal contact details and employment information.    

By reviewing your profile now, and making any required updates, you will save time during the renewal process.  

Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.    

If you have any questions or concerns about the renewal, please contact registration@cphm.ca.   

Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events 

A Healthy Tomorrow starts with HPV Vaccination Today 

  • Click here to register for the webinar or view the webinar poster by clicking here. 
  • 1.0 CEU 

Optimizing Prescription Writing: Essentials and Updates in 30 Minutes 

  • Click here to access the prerecorded webinar 
  • 1.0 CEU

2025 Mandatory Professional Development – Advancing Equity in Pharmacy: Supporting Gender Diversity and 2SLGBTQ+ Patients 

Pharmacy professionals who were unable to attend the live webinar on February 5, 2025, must view a recording of the 2025 mandatory continuing education session by clicking here.