The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., alleging that the pharmacy giant was responsible for the rampant distribution of opioids in several states across the country. The suit claims that Walgreens failed to adequately monitor and control the prescription of frequently abused painkillers like oxycodone and hydrocodone, contributing to the opioid crisis that has caused widespread addiction, overdose deaths, and devastating impact on local communities.
The Justice Department alleges that between 2009 and 2019, Walgreens filled thousands of suspicious prescriptions for opioids in states including Florida, California, Illinois, Ohio, and New York. The lawsuit states that rather than address the high volume and potency of opioid prescriptions in its stores, Walgreens prioritized profits over the needs and safety of the public.
Walgreens is the latest major pharmacy chain to face legal action over opioid-related allegations. The Justice Department’s lawsuit comes on the heels of similar legal battles involving other major chains like CVS, Rite Aid and independently-owned pharmacies. The outcome of these lawsuits could lead to significant financial penalties for these corporations while also addressing the broader issue of the American healthcare system’s role in fueling the nationwide opioid epidemic.
