Justice Department Sues Walgreens for Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions
Walgreens Boots Alliance, a prominent pharmacy chain in the U.S., is currently under fire as the Justice Department has filed a civil complaint against them in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The complaint alleges that Walgreens violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by dispensing millions of unlawful prescriptions and also violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by seeking reimbursement for these prescriptions from federal health care programs.
Allegations of Unlawful Practices
The Justice Department claims that Walgreens pharmacists filled prescriptions for controlled substances despite obvious “red flags” indicating that these prescriptions were likely invalid or lacked a valid medical purpose. These red flags included dangerous quantities of opioids, early refills, and combinations of drugs known as the “trinity,” consisting of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant. The government alleges that these practices by Walgreens contributed to the opioid crisis, leading to tragic consequences such as patient overdoses.
Government’s Response and Legal Consequences
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton stated that Walgreens pressured pharmacists to quickly fill prescriptions, depriving them of the necessary time and information to verify the validity of controlled substance prescriptions. The complaint alleges that these actions directly fueled the ongoing opioid epidemic.
From August 2012 to the present, Walgreens allegedly filled millions of unlawful prescriptions while ignoring warnings from its own pharmacists and internal data. Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual emphasized the importance of the CSA and FCA in protecting communities and ensuring lawful dispensing of opioids. U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron highlighted the essential role of pharmacies in preventing the illegal distribution of controlled substances, a responsibility Walgreens failed to uphold.
Corporate Accountability and Whistleblower Allegations
The lawsuit against Walgreens underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and holding companies accountable for their actions. If found liable, Walgreens could face significant civil penalties and damages for each unlawful prescription. Whistleblowers who worked for Walgreens in various locations brought these allegations to light through the FCA’s qui tam provisions, showcasing the importance of whistleblower protections in combating health care fraud.
The Justice Department’s complaint is part of a broader strategy to combat the opioid epidemic and ensure compliance with federal laws. Multiple agencies, including the DEA, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the FBI, collaborated on this investigation to protect public health and enforce pharmacy obligations under the law.
