Tighter FDA Regulations on Prescription Painkillers

For 15 years, increased usage of Vicodin, Oxycontin and similar medications has led to reports that narcotic painkillers cause abuse and addiction. Some members of Congress have proposed new restrictions. Drug company lobbyists have fought back, while patient groups and medical providers have been divided. Now the Food and Drug Administration has recommended new rules for prescriptions of painkillers containing Hydrocodone be re-classified as Schedule II, rather than Schedule III drugs. Lisa Girion of the Los Angeles Times explains what that means.