DEA Reschedules Hydrocodone Combination Products

On Friday, August 22nd, the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published a Final Rule moving hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Schedule III to the more-restrictive Schedule II. This Final Rule imposes the regulatory controls and sanctions applicable to Schedule II substances on those who handle or propose to handle HCPs. The rule goes into effect 45 days from its publish date.