Justice Department Sues Walgreens for Filling ‘Unlawful’ Opioid Prescriptions
The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Deerfield-based Walgreens, accusing the drugstore chain of filling "unlawful" prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, contributing to the country’s prescription painkiller crisis.
Federal Lawsuit Alleges Walgreens Filled Unlawful Prescriptions
In a civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Northern Illinois, the Justice Department claims that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions with "clear red flags" that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful. The company’s practices "allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores," according to the complaint.
Walgreens Pressured Pharmacists to Fill Prescriptions without Verification
The Justice Department alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions without verifying their validity, often in exchange for a quick and easy profit. This practice allowed the company to fill millions of prescriptions that were not legitimate, exacerbating the opioid epidemic.
Walgreens’ Response
Walgreens spokespersons responded to the allegations, stating that the company is asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists and to protect against the government’s attempt to enforce arbitrary "rules" that do not exist. They also emphasized the company’s commitment to its pharmacists, describing them as "dedicated healthcare professionals who live in the communities they serve."
Ongoing Efforts to Hold Companies Accountable
This lawsuit follows a similar complaint filed against CVS Pharmacy and its subsidiaries in December, which alleged that CVS filled unlawful prescriptions for opioids and other drugs and then sought reimbursement from federal health care programs. The Justice Department has also pursued other companies, including consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and retail giant Walmart, for their roles in the opioid crisis.
Conclusion
The Justice Department’s lawsuit against Walgreens is a significant step in holding the company accountable for its role in the opioid crisis. As the country continues to grapple with the devastating effects of addiction, it is crucial that companies like Walgreens are held responsible for their actions. The Justice Department’s efforts to hold companies accountable will help to bring about a measure of justice for those affected by the opioid epidemic.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Walgreens?
The lawsuit aims to hold Walgreens accountable for filling unlawful prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, contributing to the country’s prescription painkiller crisis. - What are the allegations against Walgreens?
The Justice Department alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of prescriptions with "clear red flags" that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful, and that the company pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions without verifying their validity. - What is the impact of the opioid crisis?
The opioid crisis has been linked to more than 80,000 annual deaths in recent years, with prescription pills being the primary cause of death earlier in the epidemic. Fentanyl, often laced into illegal drugs, has become the primary cause of death in recent years. - What other companies have been sued for their role in the opioid crisis?
The Justice Department has also filed similar complaints against CVS Pharmacy and its subsidiaries, as well as consulting firm McKinsey & Co. and retail giant Walmart.
