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Controlled substance shipments alert

Cardinal Health has communicated the following updates directly to customers concerning our suspension of controlled substance shipments from certain Cardinal Health facilities.

Cardinal Health has been reviewing its controlled-substance ordering procedures, and as a result is implementing near- and long-term enhancements that further guard against distribution to pharmacies that are engaged in diversion. The safety of the pharmaceutical supply chain is among Cardinal Health's top priorities and we are committed to the highest standards as we work with the DEA to resolve this matter.


October 10, 2008

Dear Auburn customer,

We are pleased to tell you that we have signed settlement agreements with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and several US Attorneys’ Offices to resolve outstanding allegations regarding our controls against the diversion of controlled substances, including the restoration of our license to sell and ship controlled substances from our Auburn, WA facility. We expect to begin distribution of controlled substances effective Monday, November 10, from Auburn.

The settlement is the result of our collaboration with DEA, as well as our enhancement of our controls to help prevent the diversion of these important medications so they don’t get into the wrong hands.

Between now and November 10, we will be working on the logistics to be ready for the first day of shipping controlled substances from Auburn. We remain committed to fighting the serious issue of prescription drug abuse and diversion, and appreciate your patience and support.

Here are important dates you need to know:
  • You should continue to use your account number until noon on Thursday, November 6. There is a firm noon Pacific cut off for CSOS orders. We are unable to accept orders after this time due to system maintenance.
  • If you have any DEA Order forms (222s) for pickup on Thursday, November 6, this is when you should begin using the Auburn address and account number.
  • You can resume ordering Friday, November 7, at 8 am Pacific using your Auburn account number on CSOS and cardinalhealth.com.
  • The first shipments containing controlled substances will begin arriving at customer locations on Monday, November 10.

If you need to return controlled substances you purchased from Salt Lake City or Sacramento, please return them to their respective distribution center. Returns — including those purchased from Salt Lake City and Sacramento — will be accepted and processed in Auburn beginning on Monday, November 10. Please call Customer Service for assistance with all controlled substance returns. We will generate return authorizations and arrange for the appropriate transfers and credits.

Sincerely,

Cardinal Health