WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 21, 2025 — Walgreens Boots Alliance and its subsidiaries have agreed to pay up to $350 million to resolve allegations that the company illegally filled millions of opioid prescriptions and submitted false claims to federal health care programs, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
Under the terms of the settlement, Walgreens will pay $300 million upfront, with an additional $50 million due if the company is sold, merged, or transferred before fiscal year 2032. This marks one of the largest Controlled Substances Act civil settlements in history and underscores the government’s continued efforts to hold corporations accountable for their role in the ongoing opioid crisis.
The Justice Department, working with the DEA and HHS Office of Inspector General, alleges that between August 2012 and March 2023, Walgreens knowingly filled prescriptions that were unlawful, excessive, or medically unnecessary, including combinations of drugs commonly abused together. Pharmacists were reportedly under pressure to fill prescriptions quickly, often bypassing safeguards designed to detect abuse or diversion.
Additionally, Walgreens allegedly submitted claims for reimbursement to Medicare and other federal programs for these unlawful prescriptions in violation of the False Claims Act.
“Pharmacies must act as gatekeepers—not enablers—when it comes to controlled substances,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This settlement sends a clear message: we will not tolerate actions that fuel the opioid epidemic.”
As part of the agreement, Walgreens will implement sweeping compliance reforms. These include stricter prescription verification procedures, mandatory employee training, and new systems to block prescriptions from questionable prescribers. Walgreens also signed a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG and a seven-year memorandum of agreement with the DEA to ensure improved oversight.
The case stemmed from four whistleblower lawsuits filed by former Walgreens employees under the False Claims Act. Those whistleblowers will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s recovery.
The settlement resolves claims filed in federal courts in Illinois and Texas. While Walgreens has not admitted liability, the government emphasized that the action reflects a broader commitment to tackling fraud and abuse within federal healthcare systems and confronting corporate misconduct contributing to the opioid epidemic.
Federal agencies including the DEA, HHS-OIG, Department of Labor, Veterans Affairs, and multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices collaborated in the investigation.
For more information on DOJ enforcement efforts, visit:
www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch
www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section
