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news.The US Department of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is all set to roll out new restrictions on several products blended with hydrocodone, which has turned out to be a highly prescribed and addictive painkiller in America.
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As part of the move, hydrocodone combination products (HCP) have now been moved to the more-restrictive Schedule II substances from Schedule III.
The new rule will go live in 45 days and will impose the regulatory controls and sanctions relevant to Schedule II substances on those who deal with or propose to handle HCPs.
Further, reclassification of the products will make them tougher to obtain, both by addicts and genuine pain patients as physicians will not be allowed to drop in a prescription to a pharmacy and patients need to furnish a written prescription.
US DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart said: "Almost seven million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers, resulting in more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than auto accidents.
"Today’s action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available."
Hydrocodone had been classified as a Schedule II drug for decades, while its combination products have had a less restricted Schedule III designation.
The US agency also noted that products blending hydrocodone with another drug still turn out to be still highly addictive.