DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens said it will pay up to $350 million in a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations that the pharmacy chain illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances between August 2012 and March 2023.
The settlement requires Walgreens to pay at least $300 million upfront, with an additional $50 million due if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before 2032.
The company was accused of excessive opioid prescriptions and prescriptions filled significantly early.
"We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability. Our pharmacists are dedicated healthcare professionals who care deeply about patient safety and continue to play a critical role in providing education and resources to help combat opioid misuse and abuse across our country," Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman said in a statement.
"This resolution allows us to close all opioid related litigation with federal, state, and local governments and provides us with favorable terms from a cashflow perspective while we focus on our turnaround strategy that will benefit our team members, patients, customers, and shareholders," he added.
