As of Oct. 6, 2014, people prescribed painkillers containing hydrocodone must visit their doctor’s office to pick up a prescription for the medicine in person, since the drug has been reclassified as Schedule II. Previously it had been classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as a schedule III drug, meaning doctors could call the prescription in to a pharmacy. Common medications that contain hydrocodone include Vicodin, Norco and Lortab.

The change means that each time a person needs a refill they must visit their doctor’s office and pick up a hard copy prescription for a maximum 30-day supply — refills cannot be faxed or phoned in. Doctors are still permitted to phone in a 72-hour supply, but must follow up by mailing a prescription to a pharmacy. People who take hydrocodone for long-term pain therapy can get a 90-day supply with three separate, no-refill, prescriptions.

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine and is only available in combination with other ingredients. It is commonly combined with acetaminophen, which increases the effects of hydrocodone. The reason given for moving hydrocodone to a stricter classification is to reduce abuse.