[Mari]

We got this in an email at work from the HR who deals with our medical benefits:

The DEA is rescheduling hydrocodone from a Schedule III to a Schedule II

This means the script will be tough.
This makes me irritated and sad.
I am sorry for the people that need it and even sorrier for the hassle their gov is putting them through.

Schedule II (CII) is more restrictive than Schedule III (CII).

Changes for member
· Prescriptions for Schedule II (CII) medications can never have refills. If a member’s physician writes a prescription for a Schedule II (CII) medication, the member can only get the one fill (the initial fill).

· The member will need a new prescription after every fill, or if their prescription is not filled within 6 months (prescriptions for Schedule II (CII) medications expire after 6 months).

======
(Klonopin is a Schedule IV and quite a hassle -- seems to require a paper script -- I am not clear on the difference between Klonopin andthe variations of Hydrocodone.)
======
The government should find a better way to get these kinds of meds to people who need them.



M

[waves]

Mari,

Here, it's the same here with opioids. One month and no refills, but it is not a new thing. Also, the pharmacist has to withdraw the script to turn it in (other scripts are lefft to the cuustomer, even when used up).

Benzo's are also only valid for one month, but have three refills which can be bought at any time, even together.

Scripts for "lighter" meds, have a 6 month validity, and maybe more than three refills (not sure).

=============

There is less regimented hassle here, because of things not being computerized, but that isn't exactly safe. For instance, I could go to five different doctors, have each give me a benzo script, or pain pills, and fill them all on the same day. A sane pharmacist might raise an eyebrow, but different pharmacies have no way of knowing. No computers, so no "system" awareness that the same med has been filled 15 times, but also no interaction alerts that a patient might be taking incompatible meds. Hassle-free, yes. Safe, no. Still, I don't look forward to computerization here, because that will basically lock down all of the existing rules, and possibly add new ones.

But it does seems like the US, with all the "nice" tracking, could afford to give people a little leeway rather than adding new restrictions. Was a reason given? Are people abusing scripts?

waves

ps. Oh... and benzos are strictly out of pocket here.

[Dmom3005]

I think the concerta my grandson takes must be the same level.

We have to have a new prescription every month.

Donna

[Mari]

Originally Posted by waves

Mari,

Here, it's the same here with opioids. One month and no refills, but it is not a new thing. Also, the pharmacist has to withdraw the script to turn it in (other scripts are lefft to the cuustomer, even when used up).

Benzo's are also only valid for one month, but have three refills which can be bought at any time, even together.

Scripts for "lighter" meds, have a 6 month validity, and maybe more than three refills (not sure).

=============

There is less regimented hassle here, because of things not being computerized, but that isn't exactly safe. For instance, I could go to five different doctors, have each give me a benzo script, or pain pills, and fill them all on the same day. A sane pharmacist might raise an eyebrow, but different pharmacies have no way of knowing. No computers, so no "system" awareness that the same med has been filled 15 times, but also no interaction alerts that a patient might be taking incompatible meds. Hassle-free, yes. Safe, no. Still, I don't look forward to computerization here, because that will basically lock down all of the existing rules, and possibly add new ones.

But it does seems like the US, with all the "nice" tracking, could afford to give people a little leeway rather than adding new restrictions. Was a reason given? Are people abusing scripts?



ps. Oh... and benzos are strictly out of pocket here.

Waves and Donna,


Benzos out of pocket!!! And with such hassle??!!


http://www.capitalnewyork.com/articl...n-side-effects

On the other hand, the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 100 million Americans suffer from some sort of chronic pain and reclassifying these drugs might make it harder for those people with legitimate needs to get relief.

When the rule takes effect in early October, drugs such as Vicodin will only be able to be prescribed for a 90-day period, and refills won't be able to be called in to a pharmacy. Patients will have to be seen by a doctor for a new prescription. Before this change, patients could receive a 180-day supply.

This rule only impacts hydrocodone that is combined with an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen or aspirin. Pure hydrocodone is already a Schedule II drug.

This new federal rule limits over-prescription, and the smaller amounts of hydrocodone available per prescription will limit leftovers in medicine cabinets that are ripe for abuse, said Meredith Kelly, a spokeswoman for Schumer.

While this will not solve the prescription drug abuse problem overnight, it's a step in the right direction, she said.

I guess some groups feel that
--doctors are over prescribing
--people are abusing the prescription med
--too many people are dying.

Here it is from the DOJ and the DEA:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fe...014/fr0822.htm

Concerta is a schedule IV.
Ritalin is too. I liked ritalin for brain fog -- it became too much of a hassle for me.


Mari

[Dmom3005]

Yep wasn't sure which one it was.

But my boys as kids took ritalin till it didn't work. Then took
adderall.

My grandson tried ritalin, it didn't work. So he takes concerta ER.
And its been great so far.

We will see as time goes on.

Donna

[bizi]

Our insurance is changing as of the first of the year.....
WE will have a $4000 deductible. no deductible rightnow.
there goes my therapy visits. I was paying $15 a visit. She charges $120 an hour.... This is a huge change!
Lots of unhappy folks!
bizi

[mrsD]

Excuse me, but Ritalin and Concerta are Schedule II. (not IV)

Tramadol (Ultram), has gone Schedule IV--- this summer.
It joins Benzos, and Lyrica there. Phone orders allowed, up to 5 refills may be ordered within a 6month period.

Another reason for the CII move for hydrocodone is the hope that diversion at the manufacturing level is reduced.
The way CII drugs are handled during manufacture is very different from other drugs. Usually the makers can only obtain the raw powder once a year by a quota system, and it is kept segregated from other drugs in a locked secure area. This way the raw powder cannot be heisted into the black market.

More here:
http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.aparx.o...ation_Prod.pdf

[Mari]

Originally Posted by bizi

Our insurance is changing as of the first of the year.....
WE will have a $4000 deductible. no deductible rightnow.
there goes my therapy visits. I was paying $15 a visit. She charges $120 an hour.... This is a huge change!
Lots of unhappy folks!
bizi

Oh, Wow, Bizi,

I am so sorry to hear about that.

M

[waves]

How amazing to have refills on tramadol. Here it's treated like all other opioids... one script, one month, no refills. (Doctors don't do "phone-ins" for anything here.)

Bizi, so sorry about your insurance. Maybe you can shop around a little?

Mari... yes I really think benzo's ought to be covered, considering how highly prescribed they are. I don't know why state health here doesn't cover them. Other, more expensive drugs are covered. You know what else isn't covered -- gabapentin. Not even for migraine prevention. It is covered exclusively for people who have filed for a post-herpetic neuralgia exemption.

waves

[bizi]

I am sorry that your gabapentin is not covered....sigh
bizi