Justice Department Sues Walgreens Alleging Unlawful Prescription Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, accusing it of illegally dispensing millions of prescriptions for controlled substances over the last decade. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that Walgreens violated both the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and the False Claims Act (FCA), contributing significantly to the ongoing opioid crisis.

The complaint claims that Walgreens pharmacists filled prescriptions with evident signs of being unlawful, including excessive quantities of opioids, early refills, and combinations of drugs commonly abused together. Despite numerous internal warnings and data highlighting these issues, Walgreens allegedly failed to address the red flags and continued to pressure pharmacists to fill prescriptions rapidly without adequate scrutiny. In some instances, the complaint alleges, patients died after overdosing on opioids obtained through prescriptions filled at Walgreens stores.

The government further accuses Walgreens of seeking reimbursement for these prescriptions from federal healthcare programs, violating the FCA. Civil penalties for these violations could reach up to $80,850 for each unlawful prescription filled, with additional damages for false claims submitted to government programs. Walgreens could also face injunctive relief aimed at preventing future violations of the CSA.

Four whistleblowers who previously worked for Walgreens initiated the legal action under the FCA’s qui tam provisions, which allow private individuals to sue on behalf of the government. The Justice Department subsequently intervened in the case, consolidating multiple lawsuits into a single action. The lawsuit highlights Walgreens’ alleged role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic, which has had devastating effects on communities nationwide. Authorities claim the company prioritized profits over patient safety, undermining federal efforts to combat opioid abuse.

The Justice Department has increased its focus on corporate accountability in the opioid crisis, including establishing a dedicated task force to coordinate litigation efforts. The claims against Walgreens are allegations, and no determination of liability has been made.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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