DEA Publishes Final Rule Rescheduling Hydrocodone Combination Products

Thursday, August 21, 2014

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a Final Rule moving hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to the more restrictive Schedule II.  The rule goes into effect in 45 days.  In 2013, a U. S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee voted to recommend rescheduling these products, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a recommendation to DEA consistent with that vote. 

https://www.asahq.org/For-Members/Advocacy/Washington-Alerts/FDA-to-Recommend-Reclassification-of-Hydrocodone-Products-to-Schedule-II.aspx

As more information is available it will be forwarded to you.  NPs who are currently prescribing these products will be provided the instuctions for obtaining the ability to continue to write for this medication. NPAA is the voice for close to 3000 NPs in Alabama, check this website often for updates on prescribing and other important information.