U.S. probes possible billion dollar scams on pain creams

The Justice Department is investigating half a billion dollars in possible health-care fraud linked to specialty creams used to treat pain which victimized veterans according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Compounding creams have recently been pitched by retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who promoted them to the elderly, athletes and others. It is believed that many the products provide little to no medicinal value. Some companies charged more than $10,000 for a single tube or prescription of cream. Mr. Favre, was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday night, has promoted a pain cream called Rx Pro made by World Health Industries Inc. of Jackson, Miss.World Health Industries also does business as Aspire Rx. On the company’s website, Aspire Rx says that it is “the pre-eminent provider of compounding pharmacy services in the U.S.” and “utilizes the latest technologies, superior ingredients, and the highest ethical standards to provide custom compounded therapies.”