Tussionex Hydrocodone Nj Prescription Laws Gerd

As a long time sufferer of GERD with Barrett’s Esophagus, I have been taking Tussionex since 2008 as the medicine of last resort to control severe bouts of heartburn based on a study reported in the World Gastroenterology Journal (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PMC2689423).

My gastroenterologist has provided me with a prescription for the medication for some time; however, after the recent passage of a new law in New Jersey to help control the abuse of opioid prescriptions for the treatment of pain he has become reluctant to continue the providing me with a prescription for Tussionex. I would like to find out if the primary ingredient of Tussionex (hydrocodone) is considered a Schedule II drug under the definition provided in the New Jersey Controlled Substances Law (njconsumeraffairs.gov/Statutes) since hydrocodone is not listed in the same document.

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Yes, it is now classified as a schedule 2 medication, due to the fact that it is an opiate narcotic, which the FDA and DEA warns carries the risk of being habit forming. Other side effects may include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, and sedation.

What type of doctor have you been seeing? Are they a general practitioner? If so, you might be better of consulting a specialist.

Are you on any other medications?

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For several years I have been afflicted by GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and a related condition called Barrett’s Esophagus (a precancerous condition of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES). As a result, I have been on a number of medications prescribed by my gastroenterologist for several years to treat my condition. One of the medications that I use as a last resort to control severe bouts of heartburn, based on a 2008 study published in the World Gastroenterology Journal (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689423), is Tussionex (Hydrocodone-Chlorpheniramine ER Suspension).

Although the last full prescription of Tussionex my gastroenterologist provided to me was in June of 2017, which I believe was just a few months after the new NJ regulations directed at the prescription of chronic pain medications became law, my gastroenterologist told me during a recent regularly scheduled office visit that he can no longer provide me with the Tussionex prescription as a result of the new law because he was concerned he might lose his license if he continued to prescribe Tussionex.

Although hydrocodone is not specifically listed as a Schedule II substance in the New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Law, I have confirmed with the manufacturer (UBC) of Tussionex that the primary ingredient of Tussionex is considered a Schedule II drug. In addition, I am also aware that the new NJ pain treatment prescription law, which is applicable to any opiate derivative, would include hydrocodone because it is synthesized from codeine.

My question is this, since I have taken Tussionex over the past several years for the sole purpose of treating a digestion system disorder associated with the involuntary relaxation of my LES, which has contributed to the severity of my GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus, is my gastroenterologist’s concerns about continuing to provide me with the same prescription for Tussionex valid, or has he misinterpreted the intent of the new NJ prescription regulations?

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Your gastro doctor may have problems explaining why you need the hydrocodone. It's gotten strict everywhere. They need to show why you get it. The gastro doctor could get in trouble without good reason, such as chronic pain. Did your doctor offer something else for your issues?

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Re: DMS (# 2)

Unless it has changed hydrocodone is a schedule 3 if it is added to another medication such as Tylenol or cough syrup, and schedule 2 if used pure.

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Re: Verwon (# 1)

GP here in Indiana can not give any more either. Now must see a pain doctor (anthesialogist). Only allowed a one week supply then must refill in person with ID. The dental surgeon can only write for 10 pills now. They have gone to far, hurting people in pain. All scripts for opiates are copied by pharmacy to local or county law enforcement who are watching the DRs.

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The hydrodone in your cough as dihydrocodeinone, is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from codeine which is a schedule III drug and yes an opioid. It is used successfully for your situation so I'd find another doctor who isn't hesitant to give you the medicine you need. Make sure your records are sent over (just a simple signature is required) Good luck!

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If he drops you off just like that he is putting you in danger of severe withdrawals...the laws are not meant for long term patients to take away their meds. You can sue him for refusing to practice and his lying to you that he can not prescribe that is his job as a specialist if he won't treat you tell him to send you to someone that will period I did that and my doctor relented. Second, if you are on Medicare it is against the law for Government interference in Doctor treatment He and New Jersey are breaking the law.

The government thinks we are too stupid to fight them we are not you are entitled to your God-given right to humane treatment. Contact your state reps.

U.S. Code › Title 42 › Chapter 7 › Subchapter XVIII › 1395
42 U.S. Code 1395 – Prohibition against any Federal interference

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize any Federal officer or employee to exercise any supervision or control over the practice of medicine or the manner in which medical services are provided, or over the selection, tenure, or compensation of any officer or employee of any institution, agency, or person providing health services; or to exercise any supervision or control over the administration or operation of any such institution, agency, or person.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XVIII, 1801, as added Pub. L. 89–97, title I, 102(a), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 291.)
Congress DEA, CDC, and FDA are breaking the law -Period.

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Yes it was changed here is an article. It’s sad the way Chronic Pain Patients are being discriminated against. I have been trying to get a regular Physician for 6 mo the now, but because I have a Pain Management Dr and take reg doses of a narcotic pain medication I can’t get a Dr. but below is the article for you

Hydrocodone moved to Schedule II in DEA final rule
APhA, other pharmacy groups have strongly opposed rescheduling

DEA today published a final rule moving hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Schedule III to Schedule II, effective October 6, 2014. APhA and most pharmacy groups strongly opposed the move.

The controversial scheduling change was recommended by the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and supported by DEA’s own evaluation of relevant data, according to yesterday’s DEA news release.

Under the 21-page final rule, Schedule II requirements will apply to “all pharmaceuticals containing hydrocodone currently on the market in the United States.” These requirements include, but are not limited to, requirements related to security protocols, labeling and packaging, inventory, and recordkeeping and reporting, according to Jillanne Schulte, JD, APhA Director of Regulatory Affairs.

APhA will be working to inform members about the transition.

APhA’s concerns with final rule
Only prescriptions issued before October 6, 2014, and authorized for refills may be dispensed, as long as such dispensing occurs before April 8, 2015. DEA does state that a practitioner may issue multiple Schedule II prescriptions to provide up to a 90-day supply of medication. DEA cautioned, however, that practitioners must make their own decisions “based on sound medical judgment and in accordance with established medical standards” about whether multiple prescriptions are appropriate for a patient, according to Schulte.

APhA also is concerned about the effect the rule will have on patients’ need for physician office visits. Other concerns include the short amount of time to implement the new requirements, including updating ordering systems with the new NDC numbers and more stringent Schedule II record-keeping and storage requirements, according to Michael H Ghobrial, PharmD, JD, APhA Associate Director of Health Policy.

History of regulatory process
The rescheduling of HCPs was initiated by a petition from a physician in 1999. DEA submitted a request to HHS for a scientific and medical evaluation of HCPs and a scheduling recommendation. In 2013, an FDA advisory committee voted 19–10 to recommend rescheduling HCPs from Schedule III to Schedule II, and FDA passed the advisory committee’s recommendation to HHS. In December 2013, HHS recommended the rescheduling to DEA.

On February 27, 2014, DEA published a proposed rule on rescheduling HCPs. Almost 600 comments were received, and according to DEA, “a small majority of the commenters supported the proposed change.”

Joint letter from pharmacy groups
APhA and other pharmacy groups sent a joint letter to DEA on April 28, 2014. Noting that the organizations collectively represent more than 100,000 pharmacists across the full spectrum of practice settings, the joint letter was signed by APhA, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and National Community Pharmacists Association.

“It is important to remember that the vast majority of patients taking hydrocodone do so legitimately,” the pharmacy groups wrote. “HCPs play a key role in acute and chronic pain management and helping patients engage in the activities of daily life. Rescheduling HCPs will have far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans who legitimately rely on them for short-term and chronic pain.”

The pharmacy groups also noted that rescheduling HCPs will add costs for patients as well as to the health care system. “Pharmacies and distributors will have to comply with stricter storage and handling laws for Schedule II controlled substances, and such requirements may cause delays in maintaining an adequate supply of HCPs.

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Re: UN Owen (# 5)

Any doctor can write a prescription for a Schedule II medication for chronic or acute pain in all 50 States. Unfortunately, many are telling patients they cannot due to new laws. This is not true. I suspect your doctor is concerned he might have a hard time explaining why he writes the Tussionex for you. A lot depends on how many prescriptions he writes for opiates. If he has tried these patients on other non opiate medications. How detailed his medical records.are. Writing prescriptions for a Schedule II does require more time. It is also possible your insurance company has contacted him about the prescription.

Some states have passed laws limiting opiates for acute pain.. The limit can be 3,5 or 7 days depending on the state. Most, if not all states have a provision where the doctor can write another prescription for acute pain. This does not apply to chronic pain. There is a code doctors can write on prescriptions indicating if they are for acute or chronic pain.

Drugs containing Hydrocodone became a Schedule II in October 2014. The only drugs containing an opiate that are still a Schedule III are those containing Codeine.

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Re: Verwon (# 1)

If you're condition causes you a great deal of pain, you simply need to have the doctor that has been prescribing this medication refer you to a "Licensed Pain Management Doctor". They will be able to fill your prescription without running into the same legal issues that your doctor is worried about.

Be prepared to take a drug panel on your initial office consultation, & on each doctor appointment thereafter. They check for all drugs both illegal & prescription. To ensure you are not "Dr Shopping". You also have to sign a "Pain Contract", that states you won't get pain meds from any other doctors. You also have to bring your meds to each appointment for a "Count", to ensure you are taking them as prescribed & not overdoing it.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

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Wow, you have been prescribed this med for 10 years and even though Vicodin/Hydro has been changed to schedule 2 the difficulty to obtain only applies to new prescriptions. I'm elderly and know a lot of people on schedule 2 pain meds and they still get them the same as always... however, I have never had a regular pain med prescription and when I developed a couple of painful conditions a couple of years ago I could not get anything. A neighbor of mine has been getting Hydrocodone through the VA for about 10 years and he gets the maximum 120 and he gets it in the mail monthly!! When the new law passed there was no difference in how he got them and I have read that others who have gotten schedule 2 before the new law keep getting it without change.

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Re: Blueeyescryingnbama (# 8)

Thanks for the info. I haven't kept up with all the changes as I should since retiring. I was surprised when they scheduled Soma. What next? LOL
Seriously it's so sad for people that really need these medications to get through the day.

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Re: Anne (# 4)

Effective October 2014, all products containing Hydrocodone are Schedule II. That includes combination products.

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