The big wholesaler says the Drug Enforcement Administration has temporarily suspended the license of its Orlando, Florida, distribution center to distribute DEA-controlled substances and listed chemicals. The move may affect 1,400 pharmacy customers in Florida.

The DEA claims the company didn’t maintain effective controls to prevent controlled substances, specifically hydrocodone, from making it to four Internet pharmacies between Jan. 1, 2006 and Jan. 31, 2007. The drug is commonly found in cough medications, but is listed as a Schedule II narcotic, which is defined as having a high potential for abuse.

AmerisourceBergen says it’s no longer doing business with the four customers cited by the DEA. Hydrocodone was included in a list released by the watchdog group Narcotics Control Board earlier this year of prescription drugs that are increasingly abused by Americans. Sold as Vicodin, hydrocodone was used by 7.4 percent of college students in 2005

Separately, the company today reported second-quarter profits rose slightly as higher tax payments offset revenue gains. Net income was $129.5 million, up 1 percent. Earnings per share rose 11 percent, to 68 cents, reflecting about 19 million fewer shares of common stock outstanding. Revenue rose to $16.5 billion from $15.2 billion.

Further reading…
The Associated Press;
AmerisourceBergen statement;
Earnings release.

Hat tip to Drug Channels.[tags]AmerisourceBergen, Controlled Substances[/tags]