CVS Settles for $658,500 for Improper Drug Consultations

Prosecutors Monday announced a $658,500 settlement in a lawsuit alleging that CVS pharmacists throughout the state frequently failed to comply with rules requiring personal pharmacist consultations when customers receive new prescriptions or new dosages of existing prescriptions.

San Diego, Riverside and Alameda counties will share the proceeds of the settlement, which resolves a civil complaint that was filed in San Diego Superior Court in 2012 under California's unfair competition laws.

"Pharmacist consultations prevent drug errors and ensure that patients have the correct prescription for their condition," said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. "Without these checks and balances, patient health can be put at serious risk."

Working with the Board of Pharmacy, prosecutors in the three counties conducted an undercover investigation of the consultation practices of a number of the major pharmacy chains in California.

Regulations enforced by the board require that a pharmacist provide a personal consultation to a patient receiving a prescription drug not previously dispensed to that patient, or a prescription drug in a different dosage form or strength, or on the patient's request.

Uninformed or improper use of  prescription drugs harms an estimated 150,000 Californians each year and contributes to an estimated $1.7 billion in economic losses throughout the state.

-City News Service