DEA Final Rule Rescheduling Hydrocodone Combination Products
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a final rule rescheduling hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) into Controlled Substance Schedule II, effective October 6, 2014.
This AMA document provides detailed information, but, essentially, the final rule provides, in part, that prescriptions for HCPs that are issued before October 6, 2014, that have authorized refills may be dispensed in accordance with DEA rules for refilling, partial filling, transferring, and central filling Schedule III–V controlled substances until April 8, 2015.
However, it has come to AMA's attention that — due to state laws, insurance limitations, and some pharmacy processes — some health insurers and pharmacies may NOT honor refills on or after October 6, 2014.
Therefore, prescribers should be prepared to provide new hard copy or electronic prescriptions for patients beginning on October 6, 2014, rather than have patients use what would have been existing refills.
Please click here for more detailed information.
The AMA is working to gain more information and will provide additional guidance when available.