Walgreens agrees to pay at least $300 million in opioid settlement

Los Angeles Times - Apr 21st, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

Walgreens has settled for up to $350 million with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations of illegally filling millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. The complaint, filed earlier this year, accused the pharmacy chain of improper practices such as prematurely filling prescriptions, dispensing excessive quantities, and ignoring red flags about the validity of prescriptions. The settlement allows Walgreens to close all opioid-related litigation with federal, state, and local governments, while the company admits no liability but resolves the issue from a cashflow perspective.

This settlement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Walgreens amidst store closures and financial pressures due to inflation and online competition. The Justice Department's actions underscore its commitment to combating the opioid crisis and holding entities accountable for their roles in it. This case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities pharmacies have in prescribing controlled substances safely, emphasizing the broader implications for the pharmaceutical industry and its role in addressing public health crises.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Walgreens' settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations of filling invalid opioid prescriptions. It is factually accurate, timely, and addresses a significant public interest issue. The inclusion of perspectives from both the government and Walgreens adds balance, though additional viewpoints could enhance depth. Source quality is adequate but could benefit from more diverse and independent voices. The story is clear and engaging, with potential to influence public opinion and policy discussions. However, greater transparency regarding the investigation's methodology and a deeper exploration of the legal arguments would strengthen the report further.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports Walgreens' settlement with the U.S. Justice Department for up to $350 million, which aligns with official announcements. It correctly identifies the allegations of filling invalid opioid prescriptions and violating the False Claims Act. The timeframe of violations from August 2012 to March 2023 is consistent with official reports. However, it lacks specific details on the exact number of prescriptions involved and the nature of the red flags, which would enhance precision. The story's claim about Walgreens disputing the government's legal theory is supported by a spokesperson's statement, adding to its verifiability.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including both the government's allegations and Walgreens' response. It quotes a Walgreens spokesperson who denies liability, providing a counterpoint to the accusations. However, the story could benefit from additional perspectives, such as those from pharmacists or healthcare professionals, to provide a more comprehensive view of the impact of the alleged practices. The balance is somewhat affected by the lack of detailed exploration of the government's legal arguments versus Walgreens' defense.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the complex legal and financial aspects of the settlement. It logically presents the sequence of events leading to the settlement and includes direct quotes to enhance understanding. However, some technical terms, such as 'False Claims Act,' could benefit from brief explanations to aid readers unfamiliar with legal jargon. Overall, the story maintains a neutral tone and is accessible to a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from the U.S. Justice Department and a Walgreens spokesperson, both of which are credible sources. However, it lacks attribution to independent experts or third-party analysts who could provide additional context or verification of claims. The reliance on primary parties involved in the dispute may limit the depth of analysis and impartiality, as these sources have vested interests in the narrative.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the allegations and settlement details but lacks transparency regarding the methodology of how the allegations were investigated. It does not explain the basis for the settlement amount or how the Justice Department determined Walgreens' ability to pay. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest or biases from the sources quoted, which could affect reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.fox9.com/news/walgreens-opioid-settlement-doj
  2. https://www.justice.gov/usao-edny/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-350-million-illegally-filling-unlawful-opioid-prescriptions-and
  3. https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/enforcement/walgreens-agrees-to-pay-up-to-350m-for-illegally-filling-unlawful-opioid-prescriptions-and-for-submitting-false-claims-to-the-federal-government/
  4. https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/04/21/walgreens-to-pay-up-to-350-million-in-opioid-settlement-includes-whistleblower-compensation/
  5. https://www.ggdorm.or.kr/home/main_kr/main.php?mc=1%257C3%257C1&ctt=..%2Fcontents_kr%2Fm_5_3&mode=view&no=2490