KESSLER INTERNATIONAL STOPS SALE OF PRESCRIPTION STEROID CREAMS.

NEW YORK, NY… September 10, 2001...The state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against a couple from Mercer County who were allegedly occupying the role of pharmacist by selling prescription steroid creams. 

Investigators from Kessler International, The Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Trenton Police Department assisted with the seizure of the prescription creams, which were sold “over the counter” by a couple who owned and operated a health and beauty aid wholesale company. The Board of Pharmacy did not license the couple as pharmacists. 

“The couple easily sold the products over the Internet and from their retail store,” said Michael G. Kessler, President & CEO of Kessler International, the world’s leading forensic accounting and investigative consulting firm. “It was an unlawful and dangerous operation.”

A Mercer County Superior Court Judge ordered the couple to appear in court on June 29, where they were confronted with the state’s charges of abuse. The suit alleged the couple put the public’s health and safety at risk by selling prescription steroid creams without any regard to their status as a controlled substance.  

Kessler International and The Department of Consumer Affairs made several undercover purchases of the creams from 1999 until May of 2000 at the couple’s retail store in New Jersey. The couple also ran a web site where prescription steroid creams were sold. 

The illicit sale of these steroid creams is targeted towards women looking for fairer skin. But when administered under the care of a medical professional, the prescription steroids are used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Like any other controlled substance, these creams should be dispensed under the care of a licensed physician and should not be administered for more than two weeks.

According to medical resources, prolonged use of steroid creams can cause side effects that include, irritation, itching, dryness, acne, stretch marks, rashes, welts, and thinning and tearing skin.  More serious side effects include headaches, vomiting, poor breathing, convulsions, liver and kidney damage, and organ failure.

Kessler International’s investigation into the diversion and sale of counterfeit and prescription pharmaceuticals is a continuing investigation. The firm provides services worldwide in the disciplines of forensic accounting, high technology/computer crime, intellectual property protection, special investigations, and risk management. Headquartered in New York City, with offices worldwide, the firm is committed to protecting the interests of Fortune 500 companies in the global marketplace.

For more information about Kessler International and their services, please refer to their website at www.investigation.com or call them at 212-286-9100.