US Justice Department Sues Walgreens Over Illegal Opioid Prescriptions

US Justice Department Sues Walgreens Over Illegal Opioid Prescriptions

The US Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, accusing it of filling millions of unlawful opioid prescriptions. The suit alleges that Walgreens pharmacists dispensed excessive quantities of opioids, ignored clear warning signs, and faced systematic pressure to process prescriptions without properly verifying their legitimacy. These practices reportedly allowed an alarming number of controlled substances to flow into illegal use, exacerbating the ongoing opioid crisis.

Whistleblowers, including former Walgreens employees, played a pivotal role in exposing the alleged malpractice. Their insights revealed troubling operational patterns, including pharmacists being deprived of vital information and discouraged from warning each other about suspicious prescribers.

Walgreens has denied the allegations, asserting that its pharmacists comply with all laws and dispense medications responsibly. However, the case raises significant concerns about corporate accountability in the pharmaceutical industry and its role in the opioid epidemic—a crisis that continues to devastate countless lives and communities.

This lawsuit signals a critical step toward addressing the systemic failures contributing to the crisis and underscores the importance of prioritising public health over profits.

Source: CBS News

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