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Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a US Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the pharmacy illegally filled millions of opioid and other controlled substance prescriptions between 2012 and 2023. The settlement includes at least $300 million, with an additional $50 million if the company is sold before 2032. Walgreens denies liability but says the settlement allows it to focus on its turnaround strategy. The government accused Walgreens of ignoring red flags and pressuring pharmacists to fill prescriptions, violating the False Claims Act. The settlement also involves agreements with the DEA and HHS to improve compliance with controlled substance dispensing rules.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.