State health officials have issued a notice to pharmacies in Iowa, warning them of a recent slew of fraudulent prescription requests. In a statement released today (Monday), the Iowa Board of Pharmacy indicates this scam appears to be targeting drugstores in the northwestern portions of the state. These individuals are calling in prescriptions for antibiotics and promethazine with codeine, in the hopes the pharmacies will fill them without confirming the order. Codeine is an opioid-derived painkiller and is listed as a Schedule III drug under Iowa Law. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy encourages providers to exercise due diligence when processing any prescription, especially ones containing a controlled substance. If fraud is suspected, state officials urge pharmacies to contact their local authorities directly.
