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Crown Point Nurse Says She Stole Xanax And Norco From Patients, Police Say

MERRILLVILLE — A Crown Point nurse remained at large Wednesday after admitting to stealing Xanax and Norco pills from patients in 2021, police said.

On Tuesday, Kandice Duke, 42, of Merrillville was charged with obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, a crime punishable by a maximum of two and a half years in prison. 

Charging documents said a drug diversion investigation took place in early 2021 after a staff member reported missing pills from a drug cart at Symphony of Crown Point, a senior living and medical rehabilitation center. 

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When investigators spoke with Duke, according to a probable cause affidavit, she eventually admitted taking patient medication. She reportedly admitted to stealing about 19 Xanax pills and seven Norco pills. The original complaint, however, said 23 Xanax pills, seven Norco pills and an unknown amount of Percocet pills were missing. 

A written statement from Duke said, "I understand what I did was wrong. I cannot return medication because they are gone."

Police reports said Duke was very emotional and repeatedly stated how sorry she was for the theft that had occurred. 

Because Duke remains at large as of Wednesday, her next court date has not yet been set. 

Riverside County, California Man Sentenced To 6.5 Years For Conspiring To Distribute Pharmaceutical Drugs

June 3, 2023 - United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Nicolas A. Decosta, 27, of California, was sentenced on Friday in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiring to distribute pharmaceutical controlled substances. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Decosta to imprisonment for 78 months. Upon release from prison, Decosta will be required to complete a 3-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In the fall of 2019 investigators accessed an online dark net marketplace called "Empire Market" where they observed vendor "norco_king" advertising the sale of pharmaceutical controlled substances such as Oxycodone and Hydrocodone. Over the course of the investigation, investigators made a series of controlled buys of pharmaceutical controlled substances from norco_king on the dark net using an undercover identity. Norco_king accepted payment via Bitcoin and later Monero, both cryptocurrencies. The parcels containing the drugs were mailed from California to an undercover address in Omaha. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the originating post offices in the vicinity of Desert Hot Springs, California, and identified Decosta's codefendant, Jamal Holdman, as a suspect.

On June 21, 2021, investigators served a warrant to search Holdman's residence in Desert Hot Springs. Upon searching the residence, investigators seized approximately 21,000 pills including a significant number of pharmaceutical controlled substances in Holdman's bedroom including opioids Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine Sulfate, Hydromorphone, Tapentadol, Methadone, and Tramadol, several amphetamines including Lisdexamfetamine (commercially known as Vyvanse), and several benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam and Alprazolam. In addition, investigators seized 420 pressed "M30" pills, as well as postal service priority mailboxes and pre-paid labels for orders to include one that was addressed to be shipped to Nebraska. Although the color and markings on the "M30" tablets indicated they contained Oxycodone, they were later confirmed through laboratory testing to contain Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Holdman told investigators that he packaged and shipped the controlled substances and named Nicolas Decosta as the supplier of the drugs and dark net site vendor. Investigators corroborated this information and arrested Decosta. Holdman was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 68 months on April 12, 2023.

This case was investigated by the United State Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.Source: DOJ Release   Photo credit: DEA file photo

Valsartan, Oral Tablet

This drug has a boxed warning. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

You shouldn't take this drug if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug can harm or end your pregnancy. Talk with a doctor about other ways to treat your condition if you become pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking this drug, stop taking it and call a doctor right away.

Valsartan oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Brand name: Diovan.

Valsartan oral tablet is used to lower blood pressure, treat heart failure, or increase your chance of survival after a heart attack.

Low blood pressure warning: This drug can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and headache. You may have a higher risk if you're dehydrated or take high doses of diuretics (water pills).

High blood potassium warning: This drug can increase your potassium levels. Your risk may be higher if you have kidney problems or heart failure. A doctor may check your potassium levels with blood tests while you're taking this drug.

Pregnancy warning: This drug can cause injury and death to a developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking it, discontinue use and talk to a doctor.

Valsartan oral tablet is a prescription drug that's available as the brand-name drug Diovan. It's also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Valsartan may be taken as part of a combination therapy with other drugs.

Why it's used

Valsartan is used to:

lower high blood pressure

treat heart failure and reduce the risk of being hospitalized from heart failure

improve survival after a heart attack

How it works

Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Valsartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. This makes your blood vessels relax more. It also allows your kidney to get rid of extra water and salt. This helps lower your blood pressure.

Valsartan oral tablet doesn't cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with valsartan if you're taking it for high blood pressure include:

headache

dizziness

flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches

tiredness

stomach (abdominal) pain

The more common side effects that can occur with valsartan if you're taking it for heart failure include:

dizziness

low blood pressure

diarrhea

joint and back pain

tiredness

symptoms of high blood potassium, such as heart rhythm problems, muscle weakness, and slow heart rate

The more common side effects that can occur with valsartan if you're taking it to increase survival after you've had a heart attack include:

low blood pressure

cough

skin rash

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they're more severe or don't go away, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call a doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

Low blood pressure: Symptoms can include:

Kidney disease: If you already have kidney disease, this drug could make your kidney function worse. Symptoms of kidney disease can include:

swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands

unexplained weight gain

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Valsartan oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, a doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell a doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you're taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you're taking, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with valsartan are listed below.

Blood pressure drugs

When taken with valsartan, these drugs can increase your risk of low blood pressure, high blood potassium, and kidney problems. Examples of these drugs include:

angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), such as:

irbesartan

losartan

olmesartan

telmisartan

valsartan

azilsartan

angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as:

benazepril

captopril

enalapril

fosinopril

lisinopril

moexipril

perindopril

quinapril

ramipril

trandolapril

renin inhibitors, such as:

Potassium supplements

Taking these drugs with valsartan can increase the amount of potassium in your body.

Certain diuretics

Taking potassium-sparing diuretics with valsartan can increase the amount of potassium in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

spironolactone

amiloride

triamterene

Mood stabilizers

Taking these drugs with valsartan can increase the effects of these medications. Examples of these drugs include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These drugs can decrease your kidney function when taken with valsartan. Examples of these drugs include:

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include:

trouble breathing

swelling of your throat or tongue

hives

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don't take this drug again if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with severe heart failure or kidney disease: This drug may increase your risk of kidney problems and reduce how much urine you make. If you have kidney disease, you should not take valsartan and aliskiren together.

For people with diabetes: You should not take valsartan if you're taking the drug aliskiren.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant people: This drug can cause harm to the fetus when taken during pregnancy. Studies show a risk of adverse effects and death to the fetus when a pregnant person takes the drug.

If you plan to become pregnant, talk to a doctor about alternative ways to manage your blood pressure.

Call a doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug and discontinue use as soon as possible.

For people who are breastfeeding: It isn't known if this drug passes into breast milk. If it does, it may cause serious effects in a child who is breastfed. You should talk with a doctor about the risks of taking this drug and breastfeeding. You may need to decide whether you'll take this drug or breastfeed.

For children: This drug isn't recommended for children younger than 6 years. It can be used in children older than 6 years for the treatment of high blood pressure.

If your child has a kidney problem, they may need to be monitored more closely for kidney changes and blood potassium levels while they're taking this drug.

All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. A doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:

your age

the condition being treated

how severe your condition is

other medical conditions you have

how you react to the first dose

Drug forms and strengths

Generic: Valsartan

Form: oral tablet

Strengths: 40 milligrams (mg), 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg

Brand: Diovan

Form: oral tablet

Strengths: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg

Dosage for high blood pressure (hypertension)

Adult dosage (ages 17–64 years)

Starting dosage: 80–160 mg taken once per day.

Dosage range: 80–320 mg taken once per day.

Child dosage (ages 1–16 years)

Starting dosage: 1.0 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken by mouth once daily (up to 40 mg total per day).

Dosage range: 1.0–4.0 mg/kg of body weight taken once daily (up to 40–160 mg total per day).

Child dosage (ages 0–11 months)

This drug shouldn't be used in children younger than 1 year.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

There are no specific recommendations for dosing for older adults. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dosage may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you're an older adult, you may need a lower dosage or a different treatment schedule.

Dosage for heart failure

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Starting dosage: 40 mg taken twice per day

Dosage range: 40–160 mg taken twice per day

Target maintenance dosage: 160 mg taken twice per day

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug shouldn't be used in children younger than 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

There are no specific recommendations for dosing for older adults. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dosage may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you're an older adult, you may need a lower dosage or a different treatment schedule.

Dosage to increase survival after heart attack

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

Starting dosage: 20 mg taken twice per day

Dosage range: 20–160 mg taken twice per day

Target maintenance dosage: 160 mg taken twice per day

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This drug shouldn't be used in children younger than 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

There are no specific recommendations for dosing for older adults. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dosage may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you're an older adult, you may need a lower dosage or a different treatment schedule.

Special dosage considerations

Valsartan hasn't been studied in people with severe kidney or liver problems. If possible, a different drug should be used. If valsartan must be used, a doctor may use a lower dosage and monitor for side effects.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Valsartan oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don't take it as prescribed.

If you don't take it at all: Your blood pressure will stay high. This may raise your risk of a heart attack and stroke.

If you stop taking it suddenly: Your blood pressure may suddenly increase.

If you don't take it on schedule: You may not feel any different, but your blood pressure may not be controlled. This can put you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's just a few hours before the time for your next dose, then wait and only take one dose at that time.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could cause dangerous side effects.

If you take too much: If you take too much valsartan, you might have these symptoms:

a feeling that your heart is pounding

weakness

dizziness

If you think you've taken too much of this drug, call a doctor or local poison control center.

If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to tell if the drug is working: You may not be able to tell if the drug is working. A doctor will check your blood pressure and other symptoms of your condition regularly to tell if this drug is working for you.

Keep these considerations in mind if a doctor prescribes valsartan for you.

General

This drug should be taken at the same time every day.

You may be able to cut or crush certain strengths of valsartan tablets. Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether you can cut or crush your tablets.

Storage

Store this drug at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Keep this drug closed in its original container in a dry place.

Don't store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. A doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.

Don't worry about airport X-ray machines. They can't harm your medication.

You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.

Don't put this medication in your car's glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Self-management

You may need to check your blood pressure at home. To do this, you may need to purchase a blood pressure monitor. You should keep a log with the date, time of day, and your blood pressure readings. Bring this log with you to your doctor appointments.

Clinical monitoring

During treatment with this drug, a doctor may check your:

blood pressure

kidney function

electrolyte levels

Hidden costs

You may need to purchase a blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. These are available at most pharmacies.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for Diovan. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

Valsartan is typically covered by insurance at a lower copay. However, not all insurance plans are the same, so be sure to check with your insurance provider about coverage.

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with a doctor about other options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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