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Walgreens will pay up to $350 million to settle a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit alleging the illegal filling of millions of opioid prescriptions between 2012 and 2023. The settlement includes a minimum payment of $300 million, with an additional $50 million payable if the company is sold before 2032. Walgreens denies liability but says the settlement allows it to focus on its turnaround strategy. The agreement also involves improved compliance measures with the DEA and HHS to prevent future violations of controlled substance dispensing rules. This settlement follows a multi-state opioid crisis settlement in 2022 and adds to the over $50 billion already paid by pharmaceutical companies.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.