e-Profile Login and ID Quick Search
NABP e-News: May 1, 2008
Insurance Coalition Looks to Pharmacies, Regulators to Reduce Drug Diversion, Abuse
A recent report by the Coalition against Insurance Fraud looks to pharmacies and pharmacy regulators, among others, to cut down on the prevalence of prescription drug diversion, particularly of controlled substance analgesics. The report, Prescription for Peril: How Insurance Fraud Finances Theft and Abuse of Addictive Prescription Drugs , calls on the pharmacy profession to provide additional training on prescription drug abuse and diversion in pharmacy education curricula and continuing professional education, and to exert closer point-of-sale scrutiny of certain prescriptions and patients. For instance, the report suggests diversion could be reduced significantly if pharmacies asked for photo identification in connection with controlled substance prescriptions, similar to regulations in place for pseudoephedrine-containing products. The coalition also recommends wider adoption of prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) to maintain statewide records of narcotic prescriptions, allowing closer monitoring by prescribers and dispensers. In addition, the coalition calls on lawmakers and licensing boards to “swiftly and decisively penalize the small fraction of prescribers and dispensers who facilitate drug diversion and abuse."
DEA Proposes Controlling Fentanyl Precursor to Prevent Related Diversion and Overdose
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is proposing to designate the chemical 4-anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine (ANPP) as an immediate precursor for the Schedule II controlled substance fentanyl. Further, DEA is proposing to control ANPP as a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). According to DEA, the control of ANPP as a Schedule II controlled substance is necessary to prevent its diversion as an immediate chemical intermediary for the illicit production of fentanyl. The distribution of illicitly manufactured fentanyl has caused an unprecedented outbreak of hundreds of fentanyl-related overdoses in the United States in recent months. DEA is accepting comments on this proposed rulemaking through June 9, 2008. More information is available in the Federal Register (Docket No. DEA-305P) at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-7391.pdf.
Chinese Authorities Crack Down on Fraudulent Internet Drug Sellers
China’s State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) says it is targeting Internet drug sales as a priority this year and strengthening crackdowns on false advertising of drug products, according to online news source ChinaView.cn. An SFDA spokesperson said the agency would step up its supervision of Internet portal sites involved in the false advertising or mailing of counterfeit drugs to customers. Many of the Web sites under scrutiny are said to be misrepresented under the names of hospitals or medical institutions and either have sold counterfeit drugs or have publicized illicit content, including false, exaggerated, or misleading claims regarding cures for various ailments. In late March, Chinese authorities shut down 23 Web sites for illegal drug sales and false advertising of drug products. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information reportedly has ordered relevant Internet service providers to tighten their oversight to prevent these sites from reconnecting to the Web in the future.
Two Additional Facilities Awarded VAWD Accreditation
NABP recently accredited two new facilities through its Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors® (VAWD®) program, bringing the total number of accredited facilities to 265 as of April 25, 2008. A full listing of VAWD facilities is available under Accreditation Programs on the NABP Web site.
- AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation distributes prescription medications (including Schedule II-V controlled substances), prepackaged products, over-the-counter medications, and durable medical equipment to hospitals, pharmacies, and physicians in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and part of Wisconsin. The company received accreditation for its Eden Prairie, NM facility.
- MWI Veterinary Supply Company distributes a full line of veterinary prescription drug products to veterinarians and animal hospitals. The company received accreditation for its Edwardsville, KS facility.
