Pharmaceutical Diversion Education Inc.

You are here: Home / Archives for Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone Prescribing and Quotas

by

For many years, hydrocodone was the most prescribed drug in the United States—overall, not just among controlled substances—and available only in immediate-release form, mostly in combination with acetaminophen. These combination drugs, which were the vast majority of what was offered, were Schedule 3 opioids. However, in its pure form, hydrocodone was always a Schedule 2 substance.

Hydrocodone also was arguably the most abused pharmaceutical, partly because it was prescribed in such large numbers. As a controlled substance, therefore, it’s not surprising that a portion of the prescriptions was abused. In October 2014, hydrocodone combination products were rescheduled as Schedule 2, making refills impossible and requiring a trip to the prescriber for a new prescription. The reason for the rescheduling is hard to argue against: because of its abuse history and potential, hydrocodone should have been moved to the most restrictive class long ago. [Read more…]

Drug thefts turn up big in state report on abuse and neglect of vulnerable Minnesotans

by

Drug theft by health care workers has become so common that it accounts for nearly one-fifth of all abuse cases affecting elderly Minnesotans, the state Department of Health reported Monday.

In a sign of growing concern over the abuse of prescription drugs, state officials began a separate count of “drug diversion” incidents for the first time in their latest report on neglect and exploitation of vulnerable Minnesotans.

State investigators examined 192 allegations of drug theft during the 12 months ending in June 2014; they substantiated 27 cases perpetrated by 14 health care workers. [Read more…]

Hydrocodone Prescribing Sees Steep Decline

by

In October 2014, hydrocodone combinations were rescheduled as Class II (CII) controlled substances. There had been years of debate and work to reschedule the drug, which in its pure form had always been scheduled as CII; however, in its typical retail form, in combination with acetaminophen and other drugs, it had maintained its CIII status for decades.

Hydrocodone combinations have historically been the most prescribed prescription drugs and were widely used to manage acute pain and, in some cases, breakthrough pain for chronic pain sufferers. By sheer volume, this made hydrocodone combination products the most abused prescription drugs in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Office of Diversion Control, with support from some law enforcement, made many attempts to reschedule the drug as CII, but kept failing. That changed in October 2014, but not everybody applauded the rescheduling. [Read more…]

A Dose of Reality

by

During my careers with the Cincinnati Police and the Warren County Drug Task Force, I was occasionally reminded that law-enforcement officers are not immune to addiction, including addiction to prescription drugs. My office arrested several of its own officers and their relatives, usually spouses.

Contrary to the belief of some individuals, my office did not treat these drug abusers differently than other offenders. In fact, many former police officers in our country have lost their jobs for not reporting their addiction or asking for assistance before being caught. I firmly believe that individuals who are entrusted with enforcing laws should lose their jobs if they are convicted of a felony. [Read more…]

Drug Diversion in Healthcare Facilities

by

Those of you who have followed this column over the years know that I have a special interest in the diversion of controlled substances within healthcare facilities. It started back in 1990 when I formed the Cincinnati Police Department’s Pharmaceutical Diversion Squad. We quickly learned that in addition to doctor shoppers, bad prescriptions, and other scams, a real problem existed in our hospitals and long term care nursing facilities with drug diversion. [Read more…]

How BIG is the problem?

Year after year, state and local law enforcement statistics indicate that pharmaceuticals are almost 30% of the overall drug problem in the United States, running a close second only marijuana abuse. However, until recently, law enforcement, health care professionals, and the general public have placed little emphasis on this huge problem.

Let PDE provide you with the most up to date information and best practices for protecting your organization.

Signup for Newsletter!

About PDE

Pharmaceutical Diversion Education (PDE) is designed to assist a wide range of the population in understanding the potential abuse and addiction that can be associated with prescription medication.

Drug Diversion:
Any Criminal Act Involving a Prescription Drug.

PDE Recent Articles

Areas of Discussion

Hot Topics

Abuse Deterrent Formulation Counterfeit Doctor Shopping FDA Fentanyl Guard Your Meds Heroin Hydrocodone Marijuana Naloxone Overdose Oxycodone OxyContin Pharmacist Prescription Drug Drop Boxes Prescription Monitoring Programs Prescription Take Back Steroids Training Veterinarian Vivitrol Zogenix Zohydro