Update on prescription forgeries

Prescription forgeries continue to be an issue in our province. Between January and June 2023, the Tracked Prescription Program (TPP) Alberta has received 30 forgery reports: eight were issued in the names of prescribers from Alberta and 22 were in the name of out-of-province prescribers. While Calgary saw the highest number reported (11), we are seeing forgeries throughout the province as illustrated in the chart below. Information on forgeries relies greatly on diligent reporting by both pharmacies and practitioners.

*Forgery reports by pharmacy location (January-June 2023)

Oxycocet has been the most frequently targeted medication, but other Type 1 (Supeudol), Type 2 (alprazolam, amoxicillin, Dexedrine Spanules, Fucidin H, lorazepam, temazepam, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, Vyvanse, zolpidem, zopiclone) and unmonitored (naproxen, mirtazapine, celecoxib, metformin) medications have also been reported. Forgeries included computerized/EMR prescriptions, faxed prescriptions or were linked to stolen prescription pads.

If you have a concern about a possible forged prescription, please report this to TPP Alberta through our online Forgery Reporting Form.

Additional information and guidance on forgeries can be found here.