FDA Requests Updated Product Labeling on Insulin Pens

Stop Breaking Insulin Pen Boxes

The pharmacy industry has long debated whether one box of insulin pens is considered “unbreakable”. The debate appeared to be settled January 22nd, 2019 when the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release stating Walgreens agreed to a $209 million fraud settlement with the federal government regarding its billing and dispensing of insulin pens to Medicaid, Medicare Part D and TRICARE patients. Prior to the settlement, Walgreens’ policy was to not dispense any insulin pens in quantities less than one full box, forcing their staff to falsely understate the days’ supply on thousands of claims. They then enrolled many of these patients on its refill reminder program, causing patients to get early refills. The government labeled that billing activity as
widespread FRAUD and required Walgreens to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of the Inspector General. Consequently, both Walgreens and CVS have been breaking insulin pen boxes when appropriate. Read the full urgent member alert here.