
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, accusing the pharmacy chain of dispensing millions of opioid prescriptions without legitimate medical purpose.
At a Glance
- DOJ alleges Walgreens violated the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act
- Lawsuit claims Walgreens dispensed prescriptions with clear red flags
- Walgreens accused of pressuring pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly
- Company seeks court clarification on pharmacy and pharmacist responsibilities
- If found liable, Walgreens could face significant civil penalties and damages
DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Walgreens
The U.S. Department of Justice has taken legal action against Walgreens, filing a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The pharmacy chain stands accused of filling millions of unlawful prescriptions lacking legitimate medical purpose, allegedly violating both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA).
The lawsuit alleges that Walgreens knowingly dispensed prescriptions with clear red flags indicating their likely unlawful nature. These prescriptions often included excessive quantities of opioids and dangerous drug combinations, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis that has devastated communities across the nation.
According to the DOJ, Walgreens’ alleged illegal prescription-filling practices began in August 2012 and continue to the present day. The complaint paints a troubling picture of a company prioritizing profit over patient safety and legal compliance.
“This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton said.
The lawsuit highlights Walgreens’ alleged dispensing of “dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids” and a drug combination known as the “trinity” – an opioid, benzodiazepine, and muscle relaxant. This combination is particularly dangerous and has been linked to numerous overdose deaths.
Pressure on Pharmacists and Ignored Warnings
The complaint alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly without verifying their validity. The company is also accused of depriving pharmacists of crucial information that could have helped identify problematic prescriptions.
Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that Walgreens ignored evidence from its own pharmacists and internal data that pointed to illegal prescriptions. This alleged willful blindness has potentially contributed to the worsening of the opioid epidemic, with some patients reportedly dying from overdoses after filling prescriptions at Walgreens.
If found liable, Walgreens could face substantial civil penalties and damages for each unlawful prescription and reimbursement claim.
We’ll report back when we learn more on this case.