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Walgreens Knowingly Filled Millions Of Prescriptions Lacking Legit Medical Purpose, DOJ Says

The Justice Department has filed a nationwide lawsuit against Walgreens, alleging the pharmacy chain filled millions of prescriptions without legitimate medical purposes, particularly involving dangerous opioid combinations, over more than a decade.

The DOJ accuses Walgreens of filling millions of invalid prescriptions, fueling the opioid crisis. 

The DOJ accuses Walgreens of filling millions of invalid prescriptions, fueling the opioid crisis. 

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Filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the civil complaint contends Walgreens violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and False Claims Act (FCA) by dispensing prescriptions despite clear red flags and seeking federal reimbursements for these drugs.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.

Boynton added that the company allegedly pressured its pharmacists to prioritize speed over accuracy, leading to the illegal distribution of opioids and other drugs. As a result, millions of prescription pills flowed unlawfully from Walgreens stores

The complaint alleges Walgreens pharmacists routinely dispensed controlled substances — including opioids, early refills, and dangerous drug combinations — despite internal warnings and employee reports. 

This negligence contributed to the opioid crisis, with some patients reportedly overdosing shortly after filling prescriptions at Walgreens, federal authorities said.

If found liable, Walgreens could face civil penalties of up to $80,850 per violation and treble damages under the FCA.

The lawsuit consolidates whistleblower complaints under the FCA, highlighting the government’s commitment to combat health care fraud and the opioid epidemic

Tips on reporting fraud, waste, or abuse can be submitted via the HHS hotline at 800-HHS-TIPS.

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