The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, accusing the pharmacy giant of filling millions of prescriptions without a legitimate purpose.
These prescriptions include dangerous amounts of opioids, a significant concern in the ongoing addiction crisis.
The lawsuit claims Walgreens pharmacists filled prescriptions that raised clear red flags, indicating they were likely unlawful. It also accuses Walgreens of pressuring its staff to fill these prescriptions without verifying their legitimacy.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that Walgreens violated federal laws, including the Controlled Substances Act, by filling “unlawful” prescriptions.
It also claims Walgreens sought reimbursement for these prescriptions from federal health care programs, in violation of the False Claims Act.
Despite these accusations, Walgreens has stood by its pharmacists, insisting they follow all applicable laws when filling prescriptions for FDA-approved medications written by DEA-licensed prescribers.
However, the lawsuit accuses the company of ignoring evidence, including reports from its staff and internal data, that highlighted unlawful prescriptions being filled.
Walgreens allegedly also restricted its pharmacists from sharing crucial information about suspicious prescribers.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks accountability from Walgreens for its role in the opioid crisis, where millions of prescription pills have illegally flowed from the company’s stores.
The department’s Civil Division head, Brian M. Boynton, stated that the practices enabled the illegal distribution of opioids and other controlled substances for years.
Walgreens is challenging the lawsuit, asking the court to clarify the responsibilities of pharmacies in such matters and prevent the government from enforcing arbitrary “rules.”
The company also emphasized its commitment to combating opioid misuse through education and implementing best practices.
This lawsuit follows similar legal action taken against CVS, which has also faced accusations of filling unlawful prescriptions.
The federal government has been actively pursuing legal measures against companies that contribute to the opioid epidemic, which has led to over 80,000 deaths in recent years.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
