News: Law Enforcement Updates
PSM Advocates for SHOP SAFE legislation at Anti-Counterfeiting Day on the Hill
Our Executive Director, Shabbir Safdar, along with PSM members, shared examples of pharmaceutical counterfeits and helped attendees understand why current systems for stopping counterfeit product sales do not work well.
October 7, 2024: DEA warning – Dozens of fake online pharmacies sold millions of fake pills to customers in all 50 states
An indictment by the Department of Justice against 18 individuals who allegedly sold counterfeit pills via dozens of fake pharmacy websites to residents in all 50 states prompts warnings from two additional federal agencies.
What it means that the shortage of weight loss drugs is almost over
Drug shortages attract patient risk in many forms. Since first seeing compounded semaglutide for sale on Etsy in early 2023, the Partnership for Safe Medicines has recognized the unique threats that counterfeit and substandard versions of FDA-approved diabetes and obesity injectable medicines pose to consumer safety. Because unprecedented demand has outweighed the FDA-approved supply, PSM…
September 30, 2024: 27 individuals indicted in Puerto Rico over wholesale distribution of misbranded and diverted medicine
Twenty-seven people in Puerto Rico indicted in misbranded and diverted drug case, CBP seized counterfeit and misbranded drugs in two states, and fake arthritis and cancer medications seized in India.
PSM Compounded Weight Loss Drugs Poll
PSM commissioned a survey about compounded diabetes and weight loss injectable drugs. 1,000 likely voters across political affiliations were crystal clear -- they are worried about safety and the current lack of oversight. See the full results.
September 23, 2024: Administrative complaint filed alleging insulin price inflation by pharmacy benefit managers
The Federal Trade Commission issued an administrative complaint against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers, alleging that the companies used their market power to inflate the cost of insulin for U.S. patients.
FDA Alert: Herbal Supplement Recalled for Containing Prescription Steroids and OTC Antihistamines
If used chronically at the recommended dose, dexamethasone could cause severe and serious adverse events such as adrenal suppression (a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones), central nervous system and psychiatric/behavioral effects, weight gain, gastrointestinal effects, elevated blood glucose, increased infection risks, neuromuscular and skeletal side effects, ocular effects, cardiovascular effects, dermatologic effects endocrine and metabolic issues, among other adverse events not mentioned.
September 16, 2024: An ongoing lawsuit suggests peril for pharmacy-to-pharmacy market place users
Rxeed’s suit of CVS Caremark alleges predatory practices against independent pharmacies. Walgreens joins up with NABP’s Pulse. Stories about medicine safety in the U.S. and around the world.
Government’s Sentencing Memo, USA v Lorik Papyan
United States District Court Northern District of California USA v Lorik Papyan Government Sentencing Memo Filed June 11, 2024 Read the document.
Government’s Sentencing Memo, USA v Stephen Silverman
United States District Court Northern District of California USA v Stephen Silverman Government Sentencing Memo Filed February 27, 2024 Read the document.
