Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a final rule rescheduling hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) into Controlled Substance Schedule II, effective October 6, 2014.
The attached 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 our 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 read the attached document for more detailed information. Click Here: rescheduling-hydrocodone-products
The AMA is working to gain more information and will provide additional guidance when available.
