Walgreens Pays $300 Million Over Millions of Unlawful Opioid Fills

DOJ alleged Walgreens filled millions of unlawful opioid prescriptions — excessive quantities, early refills, dangerous “trinity” combinations — and billed federal health programs. VA OIG assisted the investigation. $300M settled, up to $350M.

DOJ alleged that from August 2012 to March 1, 2023, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled-substance prescriptions — excessive opioid quantities, significantly early refills, and dangerous "trinity" drug combinations — despite clear red flags.

Pharmacists were allegedly pressured to fill quickly, and compliance officials allegedly withheld prescriber data from pharmacists. Walgreens then sought payment for many of those prescriptions from Medicare and other federal health care programs.

The VA connection as DOJ documents it: VA OIG provided substantial assistance to the investigation. DOJ does not publish a VA- or CHAMPVA-specific dollar split of the settlement, and this page does not invent one. The settlement resolves allegations; DOJ states there has been no determination of liability. Whistleblowers receive 17.25% of the recovery.

"for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs"
— U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs. Case file in the VA Fraud case files — part of the VA Fraud record. Cases are published as the courts decided them; amounts are stated as the Justice Department states them (billed, stolen, or ordered in restitution, as labeled).