FDA recently announced that it was recommending that hydrocodone combination products be moved from Schedule III to Schedule II under the Controlled Substances Act. The placement of hydrocodone combination products in Schedule II is a great idea — for 2003. But FDA’s belated action is unlikely to have a significant impact on prescription drug abuse.
DEA Decisions: In the Matter of Clair L. Pettinger, M.D.
In the Matter of Clair L. Pettinger, M.D. (October 3, 2013)
On nine occasions between November 10, 2011 and May 9, 2012, Clair L. Pettinger, M.D. issued prescriptions for controlled substances to undercover law enforcement agents. During these visits Dr. Pettinger failed to conduct sufficient medical examinations, failed to make diagnoses of the medical conditions
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing on VA Prescribing Practices
Around this time last year I wrote an article for Q&B’s Diversity Blog discussing two disturbing trends regarding members of the Armed Forces and specifically veterans. The increasing suicide rate and abuse of prescription drugs are unfortunate outcomes of the stress that more than 12 years of persistent war has placed on the
DEA Decisions: In the Matter of Gabriel Sanchez
In the Matter of Gabriel Sanchez, M.D. (September 25, 2013)
On July 15 2010, Dr. Gabriel Sanchez issued prescriptions for oxycodone (Schedule II) and carisoprodol (Schedule IV) to two undercover law enforcement officers. During the visits with both undercover officers, Dr. Sanchez failed to take complete medical histories, failed to make serious inquiries into the
DEA Decisions: In the Matter of S&S Pharmacy, Inc., d/b/a Platinum Pharmacy & Compounding
In the Matter of S&S Pharmacy, Inc., d/b/a Platinum Pharmacy & Compounding (Sept. 19, 2013) In 2011, Ihab S. Barsoum, the owner and pharmacist-in-charge of S&S Pharmacy, Inc., d/b/a Platinum Pharmacy & Compounding (“Platinum Pharmacy”), engaged in what the Administrator described as “blatant drug deal(s) and [] distribution(s).” On five occasions between January and June
DEA Finalizes 2014 Quota
Sometimes consistency is a bad thing…
On September 9, 2013, the DEA published the 2014 Aggregate Production Quota (APQ) and Annual Assessment of Needs (AAN). This is noteworthy because it continues the DEA’s streak of failing to meet the deadline for establishing the APQ going back at least to 1998 and the AAN since
Changes Ahead: New Rules for Painkillers
FDA Announces New Labeling and Postmarket Studies Requirements for Painkillers
On September 10, 2013, the FDA announced its plan to issue new regulations for labeling extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioid analgesics intended to treat pain. According to the FDA, the labeling changes “will include important new language to help health care professionals tailor their prescribing
Abused Medications Come From Family, Friends
The tragedy and pervasiveness of prescription drug abuse is well-documented. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health released last week, 1.9 million Americans used prescription painkillers for a nonmedical purpose for the first time in 2012. The tireless efforts of DEA and other law enforcement agencies to address this issue are
DEA Decisions: In the Matter of Kevin Dennis, M.D.
In the Matter of Kevin Dennis, M.D. (August 26, 2013) 
In 2007, Dr. Kevin Dennis became involved with an Internet prescribing company known as “Telemed Ventures.” Between 2007 and 2008, Dr. Dennis (who was licensed and registered in Tennessee only) issued numerous prescriptions to individuals located in other states without seeing them or performing any
DEA Decisions: In the Matter of Mireille Lalanne
In the Matter of Mireille Lalanne, M.D., 78 Fed. Reg. 47,750 (August 6, 2013) 
Dr. Lalanne is a physician who, sometime before November 2008, became involved in an organized crime scheme. Her role? Dr. Lalanne provided controlled substance prescriptions to different syndicates for illegal distribution. In November 2008, Dr. Lalanne was indicted by a