Walgreens Pays $350 Million in Opioid Settlement: Too Little, Too Late?
Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the company illegally filled millions of opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions between 2012 and 2023. The settlement includes a minimum payment of $300 million, with an additional $50 million contingent on a company sale or merger before 2032. The government accused Walgreens of ignoring red flags indicating invalid prescriptions and pressuring pharmacists to fill them rapidly, ultimately billing federal healthcare programs. Walgreens denies liability but will also implement improved compliance measures with the DEA and HHS.
John Q. Hosedrinker