McKesson settles with DEA on lifestyle drugs

USA firm McKesson Corp says that it has reached administrative and civil settlements with the Drug Enforcement Administration and six US Attorneys' Offices regarding the company's distribution of so-called "lifestyle drugs." These drugs, especially hydrocodone and alprazolam, have come under increased 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, including that of Virginia, 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.