FDA and DEA Leaders Call for More ADHD Meds, But Ignore Rx Opioid Shortages
Pain News Network
By: Pat Anson
2 August 2023
Excerpts:
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DPMC Moderators: tryptakid
News FDA and DEA Leaders Call for More ADHD Meds, But Ignore Rx Opioid Shortages
- Thread starter RUC4
- Start date
Pain News Network
By: Pat Anson
2 August 2023
Excerpts:
TLDR? Summary-
The FDA and DEA have publicly addressed one of the most significant drug shortages in recent times. However, contrary to the expectations of many pain patients in the U.S., their joint letter, penned by FDA commissioner Robert Califf, MD, and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, does not address the shortage of opioid medications. Instead, it focuses on the unavailability of prescription stimulants like Adderall, primarily used for ADHD treatment. This move further underscores the perception that the agencies have largely ignored the opioid crisis, even as widely-used painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone become increasingly scarce, causing distress for many patients. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists had already flagged the shortage of certain painkillers. Additionally, Teva Pharmaceutical, one of the world's leading generic drug manufacturers, plans to halt the production of immediate release oxycodone. Despite these warnings, the agencies remain unresponsive to the opioid shortage but have shown initiative towards boosting stimulant production. Critics argue that these agencies could play a more active role in resolving the opioid issue if they chose to. The DEA, in collaboration with the FDA, determines annual production quotas for controlled substances. Over recent years, there has been a notable reduction in the production of painkillers. The agencies' letter emphasizes their limitations, stating they don't produce drugs or dictate a company's production quantities. Many, including pain sufferers and advocates, criticize the DEA's involvement in dictating prescription quantities, suggesting that medical professionals should make these decisions. Individuals can report drug shortages to the FDA, an avenue some, like Christine Kucera, have utilized to express their frustration at the ongoing crisis.
The FDA and DEA have publicly addressed one of the most significant drug shortages in recent times. However, contrary to the expectations of many pain patients in the U.S., their joint letter, penned by FDA commissioner Robert Califf, MD, and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, does not address the shortage of opioid medications. Instead, it focuses on the unavailability of prescription stimulants like Adderall, primarily used for ADHD treatment. This move further underscores the perception that the agencies have largely ignored the opioid crisis, even as widely-used painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone become increasingly scarce, causing distress for many patients. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists had already flagged the shortage of certain painkillers. Additionally, Teva Pharmaceutical, one of the world's leading generic drug manufacturers, plans to halt the production of immediate release oxycodone. Despite these warnings, the agencies remain unresponsive to the opioid shortage but have shown initiative towards boosting stimulant production. Critics argue that these agencies could play a more active role in resolving the opioid issue if they chose to. The DEA, in collaboration with the FDA, determines annual production quotas for controlled substances. Over recent years, there has been a notable reduction in the production of painkillers. The agencies' letter emphasizes their limitations, stating they don't produce drugs or dictate a company's production quantities. Many, including pain sufferers and advocates, criticize the DEA's involvement in dictating prescription quantities, suggesting that medical professionals should make these decisions. Individuals can report drug shortages to the FDA, an avenue some, like Christine Kucera, have utilized to express their frustration at the ongoing crisis.