Overview

• Walgreens has agreed to pay $300 million to settle allegations it knowingly filled millions of invalid opioid prescriptions and falsely billed federal healthcare programs.
• The settlement includes an additional $50 million payment if Walgreens is sold, merged, or transferred before fiscal year 2032.
• Federal complaints alleged that from 2012 to 2023, Walgreens filled prescriptions with excessive opioid quantities, early refills, and risky drug combinations despite red flags.
• The agreement imposes seven-year and five-year compliance measures with the DEA and HHS-OIG, requiring enhanced prescription oversight, training, and reporting systems.
• Walgreens denies any wrongdoing or liability, stating the settlement resolves the last major opioid-related litigation with federal authorities.