Writes DEA to Warn of Supply Shortages at Community Pharmacies, Urges Better Collaboration

Springfield, PA – U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07) and a bipartisan group of House colleagues wrote Wednesday to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to warn of supply shortages of life-saving medicines and seek the agency’s help in making sure Americans can access the prescriptions their doctors prescribe.

“Many people rely on smaller community pharmacies to fill their prescription for lifesaving medications,” said Meehan. “I’m concerned that many patients are not able to get these medications because of the very limited supply that is made available, particularly to small community pharmacies. I strongly support the DEA’s crackdown of prescription drug abuse. However, we need better communication between the DEA and supply chain stakeholders to ensure that patients are able to obtain the lifesaving medications they need.”

The bipartisan letter states, “Over the last few months, pharmacies across the country have identified a disturbing trend that is threatening the ability of legitimate patients from getting needed, lifesaving prescription drugs. Specifically, many small pharmacy owners have had difficulties in obtaining certain controlled substances because the supply from wholesalers has been severely limited or shut off ... We agree that all sectors of the prescription drug supply chain should be rigorously scrutinized and that violators of the law are appropriately punished. However, it is critical for the DEA to ensure consistent application of all laws and guidelines to wholesalers, pharmacies, and other providers.”

Click here to read the letter in its entirety.

Meehan joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending this letter to the DEA, including fellow Pennsylvanians Tom Marino (PA-10) and Lou Barletta (PA-11).

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