Premier Cautions DEA on Reducing Opioid Manufacturing Quotas During Pandemic

Premier submitted comments in response to the DEA’s proposed reduction in quotas for 2021. DEA proposes reducing the aggregate production quotas (APQs) for several schedule II controlled substances for the fifth year in a row including:

• Fentanyl – 18% reduction
• Hydromorphone – 8% reduction
• Oxycodone – 16% reduction

Given the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19 cases throughout the country, and an anticipated resurgence of the disease in the fall and winter, Premier is concerned that reducing APQs for these critical medications needed to treat COVID-19 patients may be premature and may inadvertently lead to further shortages. Prior to finalization of the 2021 quotas, Premier cautions the DEA to carefully consider how a reduction in manufacturing quotas for certain opioids at this time could exacerbate recent drug shortages for injectable opioids and have a negative effect on preparedness and readiness for a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. In addition, Premier urges DEA to consider increased demand in 2021 due to federal and state stockpiling requirements that are in the process of being implemented.