Robert Courtney, the Kansas City pharmacist charged with diluting chemotherapy drugs, appeared at a court hearing August 20th. He is facing Federal charges of diluting and misbranding drugs. According to a report filed by Federal prosecutors, Courtney admitted to diluting the chemotherapy related drugs Taxol, Gemzar, Paraplatin, Procrit, and Platinol in order to save money. Officials say Courtney also diluted TPA, a drug used to treat stroke victims.

Samples containing between 1% and 39% of the prescribed amount of medication were found at Courtney's pharmacy. The FBI has also found diluted doses of Neupogen and Roferon in Courtney's pharmacy.

By diluting the intravenous drugs, Courtney saved his pharmacy hundreds of dollars. For instance, diluting just one order of Gemzar saved $780.

Courtney pled not guilty and is facing a $250,000 fine and a maximum sentence of three years in Federal prison.

Following the announcement of Courtney's arrest, hundreds of cancer patients called an FBI hotline setup to assist Courtney's victims. Cancer patients around the country are outraged by the pharmacist. Fortunately, at this time, Courtney's actions are not linked to any deaths. However, if one is discovered, he may face homicide charges.