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The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil complaint in federal court alleging that CVS Pharmacy filled illegal prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and False Claims Act (FCA).
The government's complaint targets the nation's largest pharmaceutical company, with more than 9,000 stores nationwide, alleging that it “imparts informed prescriptions for controlled substances that lack a forensic medical purpose, are not valid and/or in the ordinary course of professional conduct.” have not been issued.”
The Department of Justice alleges that the pharmacy giant has been operating illegally since October 17, 2013.
The Justice Department alleged that CVS filled dangerously excessive amounts of opioids. Initial opioid filling and “trinitarian versions” illegally.
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A lawsuit alleges that CVS Health filled illegal prescriptions. (Joe Rudel/Getty Images/Getty Images)
“Trinity prescriptions” are a combination of prescription drugs that include an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant.
The complaint also alleges that the CVS prescriptions were written by prescribers who knew they were engaging in “pillmaking practices,” meaning when that prescribers issue large quantities of drugs without any medical purpose.
“According to the complaint, CVS ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources, including its own pharmacists and its own internal data, that its stores dispensed illegal prescriptions,” the Justice Department said.
Pills of the opioid hydrocodone at a pharmacy in Portsmouth, Ohio, on June 21, 2017. (Reuters/Brian Woolston/File photo/Reuters)
particle for direct object Ministry of Justice It accuses CVS of violating the law because of performance measures, compensation incentives and employee policies.
“CVS has set staffing levels for pharmacists too low to both meet its performance standards and comply with its legal obligations,” the complaint states.
The Justice Department alleged that it also withheld important information from pharmacists that could have prevented the number of illegally filled prescriptions.
The Justice Department also alleged that CVS, through its negligence, helped perpetuate the opioid crisis in the United States.
“This complaint alleges that CVS failed to fulfill its vital role as a custodian of dangerous prescription opioids and instead facilitated the illegal distribution of these highly addictive drugs, including by pill prescribers,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary Kanha.
When companies like CVS profit over patient safety and overburden their pharmacy employees with the primary responsibility of ensuring prescriptions are legitimate, we will use every tool at our disposal to hold them accountable. are said
The DOJ said CVS could face civil penalties for each illegal prescription in violation of the CSA, penalties for any prescriptions reimbursed by federal health care programs and injunctive relief to prevent CVS from committing further violations.
A CVS Pharmacy (Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/World Image Group via Getty Images/Getty Images)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson CVS Pharmacy It said CVS officials “vehemently” disagree with the claims and “false narrative” presented by the Justice Department.
| ticker | security | the last | change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | CVS HEALTH CORP. | 59.08 | -0.77 |
-1.29% |
“We have cooperated with the Justice Department's investigation for more than four years and strongly disagree with the allegations and misrepresentation in this complaint,” the company said. “We will vigorously defend ourselves against this federal misdemeanor lawsuit, which comes after years of litigation over these issues by state and local governments — claims that have already been largely settled by attorneys general. Participating states are resolved.
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CVS added, “The government's lawsuit seeks to impose a standard change on pharmaceuticals. Many of the litigation theories cited in the complaint are not found in any statute or regulation and relate to issues on which the government is precluded from providing guidance.” has refused.” “Each of the versions discussed was for one FDA approved opioid drug “Prescribed by a physician who is licensed, authorized and authorized by the government to write prescriptions for controlled substances.”
A sign for the Food and Drug Administration outside its headquarters, July 20, 2020, in White Oak, Md. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images/Getty Images)
A CVS Pharmacy spokeswoman pointed to the company's history of being an industry leader in developing ways to combat the opioid crisis.
“For example, 12 years ago, CVS Pharmacy launched a first-of-its-kind program to prevent prescriptions for controlled substances from being written by potentially worrisome doctors. “Today, we have blocked more than 1,250 doctors, including nearly 600 prescribers. The government continues to issue licenses.” CVS said.
“This program is not required by any law or regulation, and CVS Health has repeatedly defended itself against lawsuits from those who claim we are going too far in blocking opioid prescribers.
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“The government's lawsuit exacerbates a serious dilemma for drugmakers, who are simultaneously second-in-command for over-dispensing and too few opioids.”