CVS Pharmacy Accused of Filling Unlawful Prescriptions
The Justice Department has unsealed a civil complaint alleging that CVS Pharmacy Inc. and its subsidiaries filled “unlawful” prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act.
CVS Cooperated with Investigation
A representative of CVS stated that the company has cooperated with the DOJ’s investigation for more than four years and strongly disagrees with the allegations and what it called the “false narrative” within the complaint.
Alleged Violations
The complaint alleges that CVS filled prescriptions for dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids, early fills of opioids, and “trinity” prescriptions – a dangerous combination of drugs made up of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant. It also alleges that CVS filled large quantities of prescriptions for controlled substances written by prescribers it knew to be engaged in “pill mill practices” – that is, prescribers who issue large numbers of controlled substance prescriptions without any medical purpose.
CVS Ignored Evidence
According to the complaint, CVS ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources, including its own pharmacists and internal data, indicating that its stores were dispensing such prescriptions.
Consequences of Unlawful Prescriptions
If CVS is found liable, it could face civil penalties for each unlawful prescription filled and treble damages and other penalties for each prescription reimbursed by federal healthcare programs.
Company Response
A CVS representative stated that each of the prescriptions in question was for an FDA-approved opioid medication prescribed by a practitioner who the government itself licensed, authorized, and empowered to write controlled-substance prescriptions.
Background of the Case
The filing of the complaint follows the announcement on Friday that the McKinsey & Company consulting firm has agreed to pay $650 million to settle a federal investigation into its work to help opioids manufacturer Purdue Pharma boost the sales of the highly addictive drug OxyContin.
Federal Efforts to Combat Opioid Crisis
It’s the latest effort by federal prosecutors to hold companies accountable that officials say helped fuel the U.S. addiction and overdose crisis, with opioids linked to more than 80,000 annual deaths in some recent years. For the past decade, most of these deaths have mostly been attributed to illicit fentanyl, which is laced into many illegal drugs. Earlier in the epidemic, prescription pills were the primary cause of death.
Conclusion
The allegations against CVS Pharmacy Inc. and its subsidiaries highlight the importance of ensuring that pharmaceutical companies comply with regulations and prioritize patient safety. As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the United States, it is essential that companies are held accountable for their actions and that efforts are made to combat the crisis.
FAQs
Q: What are the allegations against CVS Pharmacy Inc.?
A: The allegations are that CVS filled “unlawful” prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act and sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs for such prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act.
Q: What is the purpose of the complaint?
A: The purpose of the complaint is to hold CVS accountable for allegedly violating federal regulations and to seek penalties and damages.
Q: What are the potential consequences for CVS?
A: If CVS is found liable, it could face civil penalties for each unlawful prescription filled and treble damages and other penalties for each prescription reimbursed by federal healthcare programs.
Q: What is the current state of the opioid crisis?
A: The opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the United States, with opioids linked to more than 80,000 annual deaths in some recent years. Most of these deaths have mostly been attributed to illicit fentanyl, which is laced into many illegal drugs.
