Oh wow, all hydrocodone products are going CII?! This could lead to insanity on multiple levels!!!

This new rescheduling by the DEA includes all hydrocodone combination products (HCPs), not just the Vicodins and Norcos of the world.   We’re talking even the products that were created to act solely as cough suppressants (i.e. Tussionex).

I haven’t really formed an opinion about whether I think it’s a good idea or not.  Perhaps this is out of pure laziness, or I just don’t feel like going there, but it’s really happening with a set in stone launch date of October 6, 2014.

Hydrocodone combination products are currently classified as Schedule III (CIII) drugs, and the reclassification of the HCPs to Schedule II (CII) of the Control Substance Act (CSA) was decided upon as a result of much scientific and medical research and discussion.  Becoming a member of the CII drugs means that the HCPs will be much more controlled and have stricter rules when it comes to getting a prescription filled.

Here’s what you can expect starting October 6, 2014 when filling a hydrocodone prescription of any kind:

1. No refills will be allowed on any prescription that contains even the smallest amount of hydrocodone if the prescription is written on or after October 6^,

 

2. If you have a current hydrocodone prescription that was written before October 6^th, 2014 that has multiple refills on it, the pharmacy can dispense the refills so long as the dispensing occurs before April 8, 2015 (6 months from the rule change). After that, refills on new prescriptions will not be allowed.

 ***However, it seems that once October 6^th rolls around, the computer software of the various pharmacies will be updated to reflect the changes in the law.  It is likely that the software update will not allow the pharmacy staff to refill your current hydrocodone prescription due to computer system limitations.  What this means is even though the law allows the refilling of the prescription if refills exist, the computer may block the pharmacy from being able to do so.  This may not be the case, and it may be specific to the company, but just wanted to give you a heads-up on this confusing point.***

 

3. Hydrocodone prescriptions will no longer be able to be called or faxed into the pharmacy. You will have to get a hard copy prescription from the prescriber every time you need a refill of your hydrocodone-containing medication.  The prescriber will be able to give you a series of 3 prescriptions though, one for each month for up to 3 months.

 

4. There is the chance that prescribers will be less likely to prescribe an HCP since it will be in a more controlled class of medications with stricter rules and harsher penalties.

 

Perhaps a little helpful advice would be to have your prescriber write a new prescription before 10/6/14 for a 3 month supply so that you can at least avoid the possible chaos for an additional 3 months.  Now, in order for you to be able to get this 3 month supply filled, the timing will have to be right.  If your refill isn’t quite due yet, your pharmacy will not fill the prescription early.  Most pharmacies will fill control substances about 2 days before the last time you picked-up the same medication and dose, but the specifics on this really depend on the policy of each individual pharmacy.

I hope I’m completely wrong, but my guess is that it’s going to be a little chaotic for a little while for the patient, prescriber and the pharmacy once this change goes into effect.  Much patience and respect will be required from all parties in order for this transition to go as smoothly as possible.  Yes, I know this is scary and frustrating for a lot of people, and I’m not sure there are any words I can say that will provide comfort at this time.  I just wanted to keep you informed of what is about to go down.  I hope you found this post helpful or informative.  I’ll be sure to keep you updated as I learn more, especially once the rescheduling happens so I can offer any kind of advice from what I’m seeing at the pharmacy.

Oh, and hey, grab this FREE discount card (click the link) to help save money on your prescription medications!  Email me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com or leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns.

Fondly,

Cate