ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has suspended two Florida-based CVS pharmacies from selling drugs like oxycodone.
DEA officials said Monday it is the first time stores in a pharmacy chain are the targets of suspension orders used to combat Florida’s prescription drug abuse problem.
The DEA also issued a suspension order against Lakeland-based wholesale drug distributor. But its owner, Cardinal Health, late last week successfully persuaded a judge to halt the DEA’s suspension efforts until a hearing is held next week in Washington.
The DEA claims that the pharmacies dispensed drugs like oxycodone far in excess of legitimate needs.
A CVS spokesman says the company is unwavering in its compliance with federal and state laws.
Cardinal Health CEO George Barrett says the company plans to vigorously challenge the DEA’s action.
Source: Mike Schneider – AP
