ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has prepared a resource to help members better understand the impact of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s new rule that reschedules hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) into Controlled Substance Schedule II medications.
NACDS said Wednesday that the HCP status change will require stricter prescribing, dispensing and handling of these products when the rule goes into effect on Oct. 6.
In issuing the final rule, the association noted, the DEA advised that it will make allowances for refills of HCP prescriptions issued before Oct. 6, 2014, until April 8, 2015. Some allowances also will be made to dispensers regarding labeling requirements for these products.
The NACDS information sheet on the DEA’s rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products details the requirements of the final rule and outlines its impact on pharmacists, prescribers and patients. It also explains how pharmacists and prescribers should prepare for the Oct. 6 inception of the new rule.
"In order to assist our members in understanding the implications of the new rule, NACDS has prepared this resource to identify issues that pharmacists and pharmacies, patients and prescribers will need to be aware of and plan for in advance of the final rule effective date," NACDS stated.
NACDS’ resource also notes the impact of state law, which may be more stringent in governing how HCP refills are handled. "Most states have not provided clarity," the association stated.
