List of Pharmacies that offer Long Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB) in Victoria

Specialist general practitioners play a key role in ensuring access to lifesaving opioid dependence treatment across Victoria, working with community pharmacies.

RACGP Victoria has developed a list of Victorian pharmacies that offer administration of Long-Acting Injectable Buprenorphine (LAIB). The list is updated quarterly with the support of the Victorian Pharmacotherapy Area-Based Networks (PABNs) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Click to view or download the current list of Victorian pharmacies that administer LAIB.

To add to the list, update details or for queries, email: laibconsent@pharmacotherapy.com.au
 

Prescriber responsibilities when referring to a pharmacy

LAIB must be administered in line with the Victorian Department of Health's Pharmacotherapy Policy and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements.
When arranging for a pharmacist to administer LAIB, it is the prescriber’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate clinical governance, communication and patient safety measures are in place.

How to initiate a referral to a pharmacy

• Contact the pharmacy to:
  • Confirm that there are pharmacists accredited to administer LAIB and available to accept care for the patient
  • Discuss logistics and expectations of shared care
• Arrange for the prescription to be supplied:
  • The Australian Digital Health Agency advises that electronic prescriptions (eScripts) should generally be issued to the patient
  • Patients can request that their prescription be sent directly to the nominated pharmacy
• Ensure the prescription includes:
  • Full details of the medicine (e.g., brand, dose, frequency)
  • Any necessary instructions for administration
  • Patient identifiers (including Medicare number)

Providing clinical handover

A comprehensive clinical handover to the administering pharmacist is essential for safe care. This should include:

• Confirming and certifying the patient’s identity, including providing a certified photograph
• Diagnosis and treatment rationale
• Any relevant risk factors (e.g., past overdose, concurrent medications)
• Communication preferences (e.g., shared care model, check-ins)
• Emergency contact procedures
• Confirmation that the patient understands and agrees to receive LAIB at the pharmacy

Pharmacists must be provided with sufficient clinical information to assess suitability for administration and monitor for adverse reactions.
 

MATOD training

RACGP Victoria provides Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependency (MATOD) training for GPs and nurse practitioners, funded by the Victorian Government.
Find out about upcoming training dates, learning outcomes, and how to register: https://www.racgp.org.au/the-racgp/faculties/vic/matod
 

Important links

Victorian Department of Health Pharmacotherapy Policy