As the rate of painkiller abuse continues to steadily rise nationwide, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has placed stricter controls on prescription drugs containing hydrocodone.
Drugs such as Vicodin, Lortab and their generic equivalents will now be in the same regulatory class as painkillers such as Oxycontin, Percocet and codeine. Patients will only have access to a three-month supply of the drug and will have to see a doctor to receive any refills.
Some 22 million Americans have misused prescription painkillers of some kind since 2002, according to a report released by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Prescription painkillers now rank only behind marijuana as a drug of abuse in the U.S.
"Almost seven million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers, resulting in more deaths from prescription drug overdoses than auto accidents," said DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart in a news release. "...[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="yes" overflow="visible"][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type="1_1" background_position="left top" background_color="" border_size="" border_color="" border_style="solid" spacing="yes" background_image="" background_repeat="no-repeat" padding="" margin_top="0px" margin_bottom="0px" class="" id="" animation_type="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_direction="left" hide_on_mobile="no" center_content="no" min_height="none"][T]hese products are some of the most addictive and potentially dangerous prescription medications available." Read the full details here:
U.S. tightens access to Vicodin, other narcotic painkillers
The FDA finally tightens the regulations on prescribing narcotics containing hydrocodone in an attempt to curb their abuse.
If you or anyone in your family has suffered serious side effects or damages from a medication error you should seek legal investigation immediately. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.
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