What is prescription forgery?

Many sophisticated methods are used to deceive even the most discerning and vigilant pharmacist. Forgeries usually take the form of an order written on a valid prescription blank signed and dated by a person other than the person indicated by the signature.

What happens if you get caught mailing prescription drugs?

Mailing Prescription Drugs Is Illegal As mentioned, it’s illegal to mail prescription drugs. Be it prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs when such mail is identified, and it will be seized and destroyed. And both the receiver and the sender can likely be arrested, face fines or possible jail time.

Do pharmacists call doctors to verify prescriptions?

More often than not, pharmacies will NOT call your doctor unless there is a question or concern about your original prescription or refill. While a call to your doctor may be needed to clear up any issues, it is an extra step that your pharmacist takes and can lead to delays in filling your prescription.

What is the penalty for calling in a fake prescription?

A conviction under Section 4323 will result in a misdemeanor and is punishable by imprisonment in county jail for up to one year. Writing a false prescription is considered to be a “wobbler.” This means that the prosecution has discretion to charge the crime as a misdemeanor or a felony.

Is it illegal to send prescription drugs in the mail?

Whether you send drugs or another banned substance through the U.S. postal system or a private carrier, it is always illegal. In fact, it is against the law to send any type of illegal drug, whether that is marijuana, heroin or even a prescription drug for which you have a valid prescription.

Is mailing drugs a federal offense?

Mailing drugs without a license is a federal offense. Sending drugs legally through the mail requires a license with the DEA. This is considered distribution of a controlled substance.

What does it mean when a pharmacy red flags you?

A red flag could be indicative of abuse or misuse, over or under compliance, drug-drug interactions, or a “forged or altered prescription.” Such issues would be reviewed and resolved by a pharmacist “before filling any prescription” as part of the “prospective drug use review,” the testimony states.

What happens if a pharmacist fills a fake prescription?

filling the prescription has a corresponding responsibility to ensure the prescription is legal and not for purposes of abuse. The criminal punishment for knowingly violating this law is imprisonment in county jail of up to one year and a fine of up to $20,000.

Can I send prescription drugs through FedEx?

Individuals can only mail prescription drugs via FedEx when it’s done by entities registered with the DEA. Plus, FedEx only allows you to send a 90-day supply when mailing prescription drugs. For domestic and international shipments, importation of prescription drugs for personal use is prohibited unless FDA approved.

Is it legal to ship prescription drugs via UPS?

A 1-month supply of prescription drugs can be shipped per shipment. A 2-month supply of quasi-drugs can be shipped per shipment. If the medication is an external preparation, such as an ointment or eye drops, then up to 24 pieces can be shipped per shipment.

What is the penalty for prescription fraud?

Prescription Fraud Penalties. If you obtain possession of a controlled substance (drugs) by a fraudulent prescription, you will be charged with a 4-year felony and/or receive fines up to $30,000. If this is your first offense, it may be possible that your charge can be taken under advisement and then dismissed.

What constitutes prescription drug misuse?

A: When a person takes a legal prescription medication for a purpose other than the reason it was prescribed, or when that person takes a drug not prescribed to him or her, that is misuse of a drug. Misuse can include taking a drug in a manner or at a dose that was not recommended by a health care professional.

How to report misuse of prescription drugs?

Contact the DEA’s Prescription Drug Abuse Hotline if you suspect a pharmacy or doctor is over-prescribing or selling illegal prescription drugs. You can make your report to the hotline anonymously. Contact your local police if you suspect an individual is selling drugs.

What is pharmaceutical fraud?

Pharmaceutical fraud involves activities that result in false claims to insurers or programs such as Medicare in the United States or equivalent state programs for financial gain to a pharmaceutical company. There are several different schemes used to defraud the health care system which are particular to the pharmaceutical industry.