Walgreens settles for $350 million over opioid prescription violations
- The U.S. Department of Justice accused Walgreens of illegally filling millions of invalid opioid prescriptions from August 2012 to March 2023.
- Walgreens has agreed to pay up to $350 million as part of a settlement to address these allegations while denying any wrongdoing.
- This settlement marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis and ensure pharmacies are held accountable for their dispensing practices.
In the United States, Walgreens has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice concerning allegations of illegally filling millions of invalid opioid prescriptions. The accusations date back to a period between August 2012 and March 2023, during which Walgreens allegedly filled prescriptions that raised serious red flags, including excessive quantities of opioids and early refills. These practices reportedly violated the Controlled Substances Act and led Walgreens to seek payments through federal healthcare programs, raising implications under the False Claims Act as well. The settlement involves a structured payment plan, where Walgreens will pay $300 million based on its financial capabilities, with an additional potential obligation of $50 million that hinges on future business changes, such as a sale or merger before fiscal year 2032. This resolution is part of broader efforts by the federal government to hold accountable those entities contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives. Prominent figures, including Attorney General Pamela Bondi, have emphasized the legal responsibilities pharmacies have to ensure the safe and professional dispensing of controlled substances. Despite agreeing to a settlement, Walgreens continues to deny any wrongdoing, stating that this agreement allows them to resolve opioid-related litigation while focusing on their business strategy amid challenging times for the pharmacy sector. The settlement comes at a crucial time as the opioid epidemic remains a public health crisis in the U.S., with increasing calls for accountability from large pharmacy chains. The Justice Department, alongside other agencies, is deeply invested in addressing the consequences of the opioid crisis, as highlighted by the significant number of overdoses reported in recent years. Walgreens' decision to settle represents an important step in a larger crackdown on pharmacies that have failed to uphold their legal obligations regarding prescription medications.