The Drug Enforcement Administration on Friday proposed a reduction in U.S. opioid manufacturing to quell the nation's ongoing overdose epidemic, reports Reuters.
The agency called for a 20 percent decrease in manufacturing for various prescription opioid painkillers next year, among other controlled substances. The proposal falls in line with other agency leaders' and lawmakers' attempts to reduce the nation's opioid supply.
The DEA believes its proposed production quotas reflect the amount of opioids needed to meet the U.S.'s medical and scientific needs — along with other requirements — since
demand for the painkillers has dropped due to safety measures like prescription drug monitoring programs, according to Reuters
The public can comment on the DEA's proposal for the next 30 days. To view the proposal, click here.
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