RIDOH Places Pharmacist and Pharmacy on Probation After Finding Expired and Misbranded Drugs

RIDOH Places Pharmacist and Pharmacy on Probation After Finding Expired and Misbranded Drugs

Charles Agwunobi, who is a licensed pharmacist, and AJ Pharmacy, the pharmacy he owns, have been placed on probation by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).

This action is against the pharmacy located on Smith Street in Providence.

Previously, GoLocal first reported on the enforcement actions in August against the company's other location in North Providence.

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Misbranded and Expired Drugs

According to records secured by GoLocal, the pharmacy was selling misbranded and expired drugs.

Inspections Found:

From July 7 through September 15, 2025, RIDOH/Board Pharmacy Investigator undertook an extensive investigation of the allegations, including an unannounced onsite visit on July 22.

The July 22 inspection revealed expired and misbranded drugs in the active inventory and schedule II perpetual inventory count discrepancies. Pharmacy inspectors found the pharmacy to be disorderly and unorganized and not adequately clean.

As the PIC [Pharmacist in-Charge], Charles Agwunobi, is personally responsible for the conformance with all laws and regulations pertinent to the practice of pharmacy at the AJ Pharmacy. A separate complaint, C25-1228, was filed by Pharmacy Board Investigator, indicating that Mr. Agwunobi failed to ensure compliance with the Regulations.

 

 

According to the consent decree signed between Agwunobi and RIDOH:

The owner of the Respondent AJ Pharmacy, Charles Agwunobi, acknowledges that the Pharmacist in Charge has an obligation to ensure that the pharmacy is adequately staffed in accordance with the Pharmacy Regulations.

 

He agrees to:

AJ I shall conduct an immediate clearing and organization of the entire pharmacy and ensure compliance with Pharmacy Regulations, 216 RICR 40-15-1 et. seq. and all other federal safety and code requirements. NOTE: AJ I refers to the pharmacy on Smith Street in Providence.

Within two (2) weeks of executing a formal agreement, AJ I shall schedule a comprehensive pharmacy practice management inspection to be conducted by an approved third party, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The inspection shall take place within 2 months or as practicable as possible and will include an inspection of non-sterile compounding practices.

A re-inspection will be conducted approximately six (6) months after the baseline inspection to ensure all identified issues identified by Pharmacy Board inspectors, identified above, and any that are identified through the baseline inspection have been remedied.

Respondent AJ Pharmacy, acting through its owner, Charles Agwunobi, will notify the Board once the foregoing inspection have occurred and will promptly provide a copy of the inspection report to the Board once it is available.   

The cost of the foregoing inspections will be borne by Respondent, AJ Pharmacy. Any findings resulting from the foregoing inspections remain within the purview of the enforcement authority of the Board. Within sixty ( 60) days, AJ Pharmacy will provide RIDOH with a description of its security camera/surveillance system, including its backup and retention protocols.

The AJ I phannacy license will be placed on probation for a period of two (2) years. Any new compliance violation during this period are subject to re-initiation of the instant complaints.

PIC, Charles Agwunobi, will be placed on probation for a period of one (1) year. Any new compliance violations in connection with his role as PIC during the one-year probation period may be subject to an automatic extension of the probation period for an additional one (1) year, within the sole discretion of the Board.