The National Community Pharmacists Association said in a letter to senators considering new legislation for the Food and Drug Administration that drug shortages, especially of those used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, may be due to manufacturing restrictions imposed by the Drug Enforcement Administration. “The Drug Enforcement Administration has to walk a fine line between managing dangerous controlled substances like painkillers and making sure there are adequate supplies for legitimate medicine,” Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said in a statement.The Senate bill would authorize a task force and mandate at least one study into the drug shortages. “A nonpartisan study by a neutral entity is needed to ensure that the proper balance is struck in the best interests of everyone involved,” said Grassley. The Senate should vote on the measure (S. 3187) this week. A House version is ready for a floor vote.To read more detail about shortages of psychiatric medications, see Psychiatric News here. (Image: Mashe/Shutterstock.com)
