ADVERTISEMENT
San Antonio pharmacist convicted for opioid distribution
The accused consistently violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing opioids and other controlled substances without regard for "red flags."
Representative Image / Image - Unsplash
A federal court in Texas has mandated a San Antonio pharmacy and its pharmacist to pay a civil penalty of $275,000 and has imposed restrictions concerning the dispensing of opioids and other controlled substances.
As part of an agreed consent judgment and a permanent injunction, the court has prohibited Zarzamora Healthcare LLC, operating as Rite-Away Pharmacy & Medical Supply #2, as well as pharmacist-owner Jitendra Chaudhary, from dispensing specific opioid prescriptions. This includes prescriptions that involve a combination of opioids and benzodiazepines.
The complaint asserted that the defendants consistently violated the Controlled Substances Act by dispensing opioids and other controlled substances without regard for "red flags." The red flags referred to clear indications that the prescriptions were not intended for legitimate medical purposes. Additionally, the complaint accused the defendants of modifying prescriptions that were missing necessary information to make them appear compliant with DEA regulations.
“The Controlled Substances Act requires pharmacies and pharmacists to ensure that opioids are dispensed for medically legitimate purposes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable professionals who flout their obligations regarding potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”
“A pharmacist must resolve all “red flags” before the dispensation of any prescription drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Houston Division. “If the requirements of a proper prescription are not met, the men and women of the DEA Diversion Control Division are always ready to hold these pharmacists accountable.”
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login