Schedules of Controlled Substances: Placement of Tapentadol Into Schedule II

With the issuance of this final rule, the Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) places the substance tapentadol, including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts and salts of isomers, esters and ethers whenever the existence of such isomers, esters, ethers, and salts is possible, into schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). As a result of this rule, the regulatory controls and criminal sanctions of schedule II will be applicable to the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, importation, and exportation of tapentadol and products containing tapentadol.