Fines Dealt for Internet Prescriptions

May 29, 2002

Wed May 29, 7:14 AM ET

By JESSICA BRICE, Associated Press Writer

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A Los Angeles pharmacy and two pharmacists were

fined $90 million for allegedly filling more than 3,500 illegal Internet

prescriptions, officials said.

The fines against Total Remedy and Prescription Center II and pharmacists

Barry Irvin and Packer mark the first time the state has

used a new law that makes it illegal to fill prescriptions without a

" good-faith medical examination. "

According to documents obtained during the eight-month investigation, the

prescriptions were issued for so-called " lifestyle " drugs, such as Viagra

for male impotence and Propecia for hair loss.

, executive officer of the State Board of Pharmacy, said

Tuesday that the drugs were obtained using Web sites that often solicit

customers by barraging e-mail accounts with advertisements offering cheap

Viagra or other prescription drugs. Customers can obtain the drugs by

filling out an online questionnaire and providing a credit card number.

The prescriptions were written by doctors who were not licensed in

California and did not have access to the patient's medical records,

including information regarding other prescription drugs being taken by the

patient, said.

The investigation began after the Medical Practice Act became law in January

2001. The law gives the Board of Pharmacy the right to fine people or

organizations up to $25,000 for each illegal prescription filled.

The board is seeking fines totaling $54.9 million from the pharmacy, $33.1

million from Irvin, who is co-owner of the pharmacy, and $697,500 from

Packer.

Irvin and Packer could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

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