CVS is taking a stand to fight prescription drug abuse in Florida—a state known for its pill mills and stratospheric levels of prescription drug abuse. The pharmacy giant recently told a few Florida doctors that it would no longer fill some of the most potent and addictive prescriptions they prescribe. “We communicated with the DEA on this action,” CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis tells The Fix. According to federal estimates, Florida doctors prescribe ten times more oxycodone—the highly addictive and dangerous painkiller—than any other state. While DeAngelis admits the CVS move might cause trouble for patients who genuinely need the drugs, the company is prioritizing its anti-abuse efforts in Florida: “While we regret any inconvenience this may cause for our customers, we treat the dispensing of controlled substances with the utmost care and seriousness. CVS/Pharmacy is unwavering in its compliance and measures to prevent drug abuse and keep controlled substances out of the wrong hands.” He adds, “We support federal and state law enforcement in their efforts to combat issues of abuse and diversion associated with prescription drugs.” The DEA, meanwhile, tells Reuters that the decision has been made solely by CVS.
