The main difference between the two classifications is the potential for abuse and dependence. Schedule II includes drugs like cocaine and codeine.
While hydrocodone itself is already listed as a Schedule II drug, lower-potency administrations of the drug, such as those found in combination pills, were placed on Schedule III.
The purpose of the reclassification is to reduce abuse of the drug due to the widespread overuse of opiates in the United States. Hydrocodone especially is often prescribed, and hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination drugs have been the most-written prescription since 2007, with 135 million written in 2012 alone, according to an article from Forbes.
The difference for patients and providers: Patients will now need to bring a physical prescription to a pharmacy to have their prescriptions filled, unless the medical facility has a secure electronic proscribing system.
According to the article, in 2011, of deaths related to drug overdose, 55 percent were due to pharmaceuticals, and of those, approximately three-quarters were due to opioid narcotics (approximately 17,000 deaths).
More articles on accreditation:
Joint Commission updates ASC deeming standards
Researchers testing surgical ‘black box’ to reduce errors
AAAHC begins search for CEO
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