Mass. AG Healey Is Investigating Andover-Based Pharmacy's Opioid Prescriptions

The Massachusetts attorney general is investigating an Andover-based pharmacy for potentially improperly prescribing opioids to customers.

Injured Workers Pharmacy (IWP) is a home delivery pharmacy that works with attorneys on worker’s compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits across the country.

Federal data show IWP received more than 34 million opioid pain pills from 2006 to 2012. Because the pharmacy dispenses prescriptions nationwide, it’s unclear how many were sent to Massachusetts residents’ homes.

Attorney General Maura Healey’s civil investigation was already underway before the federal data became public last week, states an office spokesperson.

Greg Saikin, a partner in the law firm of BakerHostetler who represents IWP, says in a statement it "is fully cooperating with an inquiry by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office—and is aware that Attorneys General across the country are likewise looking into all aspects of companies in the pharmacy value chain. IWP prides itself on compliance with federal and state laws, and goes above and beyond what the laws require in its commitment to patient and public safety.”

Several pharmacy companies have settled with the AG’s office over allegations they improperly dispense opioids. Rite Aid paid $177,000 this year, Walgreens paid $200,000 in 2017, and CVS Pharmacy $795,000 paid in 2016.