Pain Insights, Inc. releases a comprehensive market research study on the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling, Zohydro™ ER, and abuse-deterrent formulations on prescribers and the pain market.
FAIRFIELD, N.J., Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) will impel a major transformation in the pain market, according to a new primary market research study by Pain Insights, Inc., a firm providing market research and consultation exclusively in the area of pain management.
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In August, the DEA announced a scheduling change for hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II status. This rule became effective October 6, 2014. Hydrocodone-acetaminophen products are the most frequently prescribed opioids in the United States with over 129 million prescriptions dispensed in 2013 (IMSHealth™).
It will be important to understand practitioner views on rescheduling and any subsequent impact on prescribing dynamics.
The comprehensive market research study was conducted among primary care physicians and other key specialties prescribing hydrocodone combination products. The report reveals how Schedule II status with more stringent regulations will impact the pain market. The survey also assesses the effect of new medications, including the concept of an abuse-deterrent, extended-release hydrocodone on unmet market needs.
Sample findings:
- Clinicians expressed discordant opinions on the reclassification to Schedule II.
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"I am not allowed to prescribe class II narcotics, so it would make my job more difficult." |
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Nurse practitioner |
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"Improved patient surveillance and better control on issuing medications." |
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Primary care physician |
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"It would not change the way I practice but would be safer in my opinion." |
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Emergency medicine physician |
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- Practitioners reported that rescheduling would alter their prescribing of HCPs by significant percentages for the treatment of pain and have a resultant effect on the use of alternative medications.
- 58% agreed with the premise that rescheduling of HCPs will put pressure on practitioner time and burden patients.
- 46% stated that they were "somewhat-extremely" likely to believe that rescheduling will decrease overall opioid-related deaths.
- 68% were "somewhat-extremely" likely to agree that rescheduling will reduce access to hydrocodone products for a large number of patients with legitimate pain conditions.
The study will lend guidance on new product development strategies, educational programs, strategic planning and forecasting, regulatory guidance, and supply chain optimization.
Key questions answered in this report:
- Are practitioners favorable/not favorable towards rescheduling? – Why?
- How much will hydrocodone prescribing change for acute/chronic pain?
- What will be the share impact for specific alternative medications (opioids/non-opioids) for acute/chronic pain?
- What potential benefits/unintended consequences arise from rescheduling – for patients and practitioners?
- What will be the impact of new products on the pain market? Product descriptions reviewed: Xartemis™ XR, Zohydro™ ER, Evzio™, and an abuse-deterrent, extended-release formulation of hydrocodone.
About Pain Insights
Pain Insights, Inc. is a full service marketing research and strategic planning firm established in 2001 exclusively focused on the area of pain management. The principals each have more than 25 years of experience in this area.
Company and brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information, please contact:
William Kolek
973-808-1147
Email
Robert Catuosco
973-808-1116
Email
Website: www.paininsights.com