A qui tam complaint against Par Pharmaceuticals was unsealed yesterday in Chicago.  The complaint alleges that Par Pharmaceuticals and two foreign companies – Alphapharm PTY Ltd. and Genpharm ULC – conspired with pharmacies to switch generic prescriptions to Par Pharmaceuticals’ generic version, allowing them to charge Medicaid higher prices.  The suit against Par Pharmaceuticals has been joined by the federal government, 20 states, and the District of Columbia.

Three pharmacies have already reached settlements to resolve allegations that they participated in the drug-switching scheme – Omnicare Inc., CVS Caremark Corp., and Walgreens.  Together, the pharmacies paid a total of $122 million to federal and state governments.

These cases were initiated by whistleblower and pharmacist Bernard Lisitza.

Read the entire article, “Par Pharmaceutical Engaged in Illegal Drug-Switching Scheme, U.S. Says”