Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
The DEA is cracking down on narcotic painkiller abuse by restricting how patients can receive the medication, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The DEA plans to reclassify hydrocodone combination drugs like Vicodin, a move that will require people to receive a new prescription for painkillers every 90 days. Currently, painkiller users can get prescriptions for 18- days, with up to five refills.
Patients also must present a prescription for the pills and can no longer rely on having the drugs phone-in by doctors.
The change takes effect in 45 days.
“Today’s action recognizes that these products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available,” said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart.
