This is due to concerns that this narcotic pain-killer which is the active agent in Vicodin, NorCo and Lortab (as well as a number of other brand names) is over-used and/or over-prescribed. Certainly, the US, which comprises about 4% of the world's population, is using about 99% of the world's Vicodin and NorCo. It is unlikely that Americans have 99% of the world's physical pain.
What this means is that doctor offices will no longer be able to prescribe or refill these medications by phone or fax. Like morphine, Dilaudid or Percocet, any prescriptions or refills of hydrocodone pain killers will require a hard copy.
If we are prescribing this to you for the first time, you will be given a physical prescription. No refills can be written on the original prescription. The pharmacy cannot fill the prescription without this physical prescription. They cannot act on faxing or phoning it in ahead of you.
Any refills will also require a physical prescription. If you need one, please call my office and allow two full business days to have it ready for you to pick up and take to a pharmacy. A friend or family member can pick up the prescription and/or the medication. If we feel we need to see you about this, we will make an appointment for you.
If you are using pain medication or other scheduled agents regularly, we will want to see you regularly in order to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.
Doctors in California are being encouraged to use the state Department of Justice's Physician Drug Monitoring Program which allows doctors to determine whether patients are being prescribed scheduled agents by other doctors or providers.
If you are using hydrocodone or any other scheduled agent and would like to be able to reduce the amount you take, or stop taking them altogether please feel free to see me about this.
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