Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Drug Associated with NDC 42571-0147?
The National Drug Code (NDC) 42571-0147 corresponds to Vantrela ER (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen extended-release). It is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period.
Market Size and Growth Drivers
The chronic pain management market, including formulations like Vantrela ER, valued at approximately $8 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% through 2028 (Source: IQVIA). This growth stems from aging populations, increasing prevalence of chronic pain conditions, and wider acceptance of extended-release opioid therapies.
Key Market Segments:
- Post-surgical pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic low back pain
- Cancer-related pain
Competitor Landscape:
Established products include:
- Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin (oxycodone ER)
- Purdue’s Hysingla ER (hydrocodone ER)
- Endo Pharmaceuticals’ Xtampza ER (oxycodone ER)
Emerging alternatives:
- Abuse-deterrent formulations
- Abuse-resistant combination products
- Non-opioid analgesics
Pricing Landscape
Prices for hydrocodone-acetaminophen extended-release products vary significantly by manufacturer, formulation, and distribution channel. As of Q1 2023, retail prices for Vantrela ER approximate:
| Product |
Average Wholesale Price (AWP) |
Estimated Retail Price |
Packaging |
| Vantrela ER (30 mg) |
$25.50 per tablet |
$45 per tablet |
30-count bottles |
| Oxycodone ER (per formulation) |
$22.00 - $29.00 per tablet |
$40 - $55 |
Varies by manufacturer |
Price Trends:
- Slight decline over the past year due to increased market competition.
- Price discounts or formularies influence patient access and payer costs.
- Abuse-deterrent versions commands premiums up to 20% higher than non-abuse-deterrent counterparts.
Regulatory and Pricing Factors
Regulatory Impacts:
- US FDA's risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) for opioids influence prescribing and access.
- New formulations enhancing abuse deterrence receive price premiums and market differentiation.
Policy Influences:
- Payer restrictions and prior authorization reduce average reimbursement rates.
- Medicaid and Medicare formulary listings heavily influence retail price accessibility.
Supply Chain:
- Manufacturing costs for ER formulations range from $2.50 to $4.00 per tablet.
- Distribution channels include branded pharmacies, hospital-affiliated pharmacies, and mail-order services.
Future Price Projections (2023–2028)
| Year |
Estimated Retail Price per Tablet |
Key Assumptions |
| 2023 |
$45 |
Steady demand, moderate price competition |
| 2024 |
$43 |
Increased generic competition, price pressure |
| 2025 |
$42 |
Market saturation, regulatory pressures |
| 2026 |
$41 |
Introduction of new abuse-deterrent formulations |
| 2027 |
$40 |
Market stabilization, payer cost controls |
| 2028 |
$39 |
Slight downward trend due to genericization and generics' market rise |
Expected cumulative decline in per-tablet price: approximately 13% over five years.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Manufacturers: Need to balance innovation in abuse deterrence with pricing strategies to maintain margins amid growing competition.
- Payers: Focus on formulary placement and cost controls to manage rising opioid-related expenditures.
- Clinicians: Must navigate prescription policies influenced by regulatory changes and evolving reimbursement landscape.
Summary
The market for NDC 42571-0147, Vantrela ER, is characterized by steady growth driven by chronic pain management needs and regulatory pressures promoting abuse-resistant formulations. Price projections indicate a gradual decline, influenced by generic entry and formulary dynamics, with retail prices expected to decrease by approximately 13% over five years from current levels.
Key Takeaways
- The global chronic pain management market is expanding at 4.5% CAGR through 2028.
- Vantrela ER's retail price is roughly $45 per tablet, with slight declines expected due to increased generic competition.
- Future pricing will be affected by the introduction of abuse-deterrent formulations, regulatory pressures, and payer negotiations.
- The market's regulatory environment sharply influences product development, pricing, and access.
FAQs
1. What factors influence the pricing of extended-release opioid products like Vantrela ER?
Pricing is impacted by manufacturing costs, regulatory requirements, formulary positioning, generic competition, and demand for abuse-deterrent features.
2. How do regulatory policies affect the market for opioids?
The FDA's REMS program and concerns over opioid misuse lead to restricted prescribing, influencing both market availability and pricing strategies.
3. Are generic versions of Vantrela ER expected soon?
While no current patents prevent generic entry indefinitely, patent expirations are projected around 2026, potentially increasing generic competition thereafter.
4. How does abuse-deterrent technology influence market prices?
Abuse-deterrent versions command premium prices—up to 20% higher—due to added value and regulatory encouragement for safer formulations.
5. What are the primary challenges in forecasting opioid drug prices?
Uncertain regulatory developments, public health policies, litigation risks, and legal restrictions on marketing complicate long-term price predictions.
References
- IQVIA. (2023). Global Pain Management Market Report.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for Opioids.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Opioid Market Trends and Prescribing Data.
- Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2023). Formulary and Price Data.
- Pharmaceutical Commerce. (2023). Opioid Pricing and Market Dynamics.
