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news.McKesson has reached administrative and civil settlements with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and six US Attorneys' Offices regarding the company's distribution of so-called lifestyle drugs.
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These drugs, especially hydrocodone and alprazolam, have come under increased US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scrutiny in recent months because of their potential for abuse.
The administrative settlement, which resolves all DEA claims against McKesson, calls for a temporary suspension of distribution of the two drugs from two of McKesson’s 31 distribution centers. The pharmacy accounts served by the two affected facilities will continue to receive shipments of the two drugs from other nearby McKesson distribution centers, with no disruption of service. Shipments of the drugs to Federal governmental agencies will not be subject to the suspension.
In connection with the settlement, the company is implementing certain enhanced controls over the ways it monitors and reports orders for controlled substances. The two settlements are the result of McKesson’s collaboration with the DEA and the US Attorneys to resolve monetary, administrative and regulatory claims, while at the same time enhancing its monitoring of the distribution of the affected drugs in the future.