Policy change: Hydrocodone meds require new prescriptions

By Katherine Rosario, Lyster Army Health Clinic Public AffairsOctober 10, 2014

Policy change: Hydrocodone meds require new prescriptions
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (October 10, 2014) -- A new ruling from the Federal Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration went into effect Oct. 6 that changes the way patients can receive prescription Hydrocodone and Hydrocodone products.

Prescriptions for medications containing Hydrocodone products no longer come with refills. Refills on current Hydrocodone medications expired Oct. 6. A new prescription needs to be written each time by the patient's primary care manager or specialist.

"Each time a patient needs this medication, they will need to either make an appointment or request a phone consult with their primary care manger, or send them a message through Secure Messaging," said Tai Bolaji, chief of the pharmacy at Lyster Army Health Clinic. "The same rules apply for patients seen out in the network.

"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, Lyster must comply with the new Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration regulations that were put forth to ensure the health and safety of our patients," Bolaji said.

In August, Tramadol was also limited by the FDA from its original yearly refill to a six-month limit on refills. One prescription plus five refills can be written at once and the refills expire six months from the date the first prescription is filled.

For more information about the changes, call 255-7178.

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