Since the 1990s, the United States has been trying to resolve a dangerous opioid crisis. The issue has had a crucial effect on public health and the nation’s economy.
Over 500,000 people have died due to opioids since 2000, and in 2020, overdoses related to the drug were among the leading causes of death. One factor intensifying this problem is the increased prescription of opioid-derived medications. This has lead to increased regulations and steeper consequences for those who violate those regulations.
Prescription and the opioid crisis
A major contributor to the increase in prescriptions was the aggressive promotion of opioid medications by pharmaceutical companies. Their efforts involved:
- Distributing starter coupons for free prescription opioids to patients
- Promoting their use to prescribers and pharmacists
- Encouraging prescribers and pharmacists to tell colleagues to recommend them to patients
- Monitoring the practices of doctors and targeting those who were already heavy prescribers of the narcotic
In response, the government introduced legislation to help prevent and treat opioid use. The regulation limits inappropriate drug use and the supply of illegally manufactured narcotics. Part of the effort to mitigate the crisis is addressing reports of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.
$120,000 opioid distribution case in 2023
In July 2023, a federal court ordered a Maryland pharmacy and its pharmacist-owner to pay a $120,000 civil penalty for violating regulations involving the sale of controlled substances.
The fine was part of a resolution of a complaint accusing the defendant of ignoring apparent signs of drug abuse and diversion. Allegations included in the claim are:
- Repeatedly filling prescriptions for large doses and risky combinations of medications popular among drug abusers
- Distributing the synthetic opioid buprenorphine in a form without the abuse-deterrent component
- Dispensing medications to patients who paid in cash despite the availability of insurance and lived long distances
- Filling prescriptions for at least 10 patients who died within 10 days of getting medications from the pharmacy
Aside from paying the civil penalty, the pharmacist may not distribute any controlled substances without taking measures to ensure they will not be abused or diverted.
Those facing unlawful drug distribution charges may need to consult a legal professional who can defend their case. A lawyer may support the defendants before a judge and help negotiate the severity of penalties.