Changes To Drug Schedule Affect Hydrocodone
Drug Schedules Changing For Some Hydrocodone Combos
On October 6th the DEA rule switching”hydrocodone combination products” like Lortab and Vicodin from schedule III to schedule II came into effect. The rule was passed to curb abuse and encourage patients and prescribers to consider alternative ways to deal with pain. Previously, these drugs were regulated as Schedule III drugs. 
Common hydrocodone combinations are used as pain relievers, cough suppressants and enhance the benefits of other drugs like acetaminophen or cough/cold medicines. We are familiar with the brand names like Vicodin, Lortab or Tussionex. As schedule III drugs, a prescriber could write up to 5 refills in a period of 6 months, and refills can be called in or faxed to the pharmacist.
Now that these medications are labeled as Drug Schedule II, a written prescription is required. No refills will be allowed so patients will be required to visit their doctor (and incur costs) to get a new prescription. Pharmacists will have special forms, protocols, and pharmacy storage regulations to initiate, as well. Schedule III drugs do not require a locked safe in the pharmacy.
Drug Schedule Attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in the Miami Valley and throughout Ohio. He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself Dayton’s choice for drunk driving defense. Contact Charles Rowland by phone at (937) 318-1384 or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263). If you need assistance after hours, call the 24/7 DUI Hotline at (937) 776-2671. You can have DaytonDUI at your fingertips by downloading the DaytonDUI Android App or have DaytonDUI sent directly to your mobile device by texting DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500. Follow DaytonDUI on Facebook, @DaytonDUI on Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Pheed and Pintrest or get RSS of the Ohio DUI blog.
Email CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or visit his office at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324. “All I do is DUI defense.”
For more information on drug schedule issues check these city-specific sites at the following links:
Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Huber Heights, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Centerville
For more on this topic, please check out this Drug Schedule Article at Drugs.com:
http://www.drugs.com/news/rescheduling-hydrocodone-combo-prescriptions-today-refills-become-more-difficult-53413.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=micro-blog&utm_campaign=DrugscomFB
