The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, accusing the pharmacy chain of filling millions of prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances without legitimate reason over the past decade. The complaint alleges that Walgreens’ pharmacists filled prescriptions with clear red flags indicating they were unlawful, despite systemically pressuring them to fill prescriptions without proper validation.
The lawsuit claims that Walgreens systematically ignored evidence from its own pharmacists and internal data showing stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions. The company is also accused of depriving pharmacists of crucial information, including failing to warn each other about problematic prescribers.
This move follows a similar lawsuit filed against CVS in December. Federal prosecutors have been targeting companies for their alleged roles in the US addiction and overdose crisis, with opioids linked to over 80,000 annual deaths.
Walgreens disputes the allegations, saying it stands behind its pharmacists and fills legitimate prescriptions for FDA-approved medications written by DEA-licensed prescribers. The company argues that the government’s attempt to enforce arbitrary “rules” is unwarranted and has proposed clarifying pharmacy responsibilities and protecting against such enforcement.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/us-accuses-walgreens-filling-millions-illegitimate-prescriptions-including-117815150