FDA: It's a Long Process to Restrict Access to Painkillers

Advocates for restricting access to hydrocodone painkillers might need to cool their heels for a while. The FDA has told lawmakers that it will be a lengthy process unless Congress takes action.

In February of 2013, a bipartisan group of five senators and two representatives urged the FDA to promptly change hydrocodone painkillers, such as Vicodin, from Schedule III to Schedule II drugs to help address the nationwide epidemic of painkiller addiction. For this to happen, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) would first need to publish information about the change in the Federal Register and then wait for public comment. The FDA would also be required to conduct additional research as part of the reclassifying process.

To speed up the process, the FDA said that Congress would need to pass legislation mandating the change.

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