Walmart to pay $50 million for filling invalid opioid prescriptions
Walmart has agreed to pay $50 million to settle US government allegations that its pharmacies illegally filled thousands of prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances.
Walmart has agreed to pay $50 million as part of a settlement following allegations that its pharmacies in the US illegally filled thousands of prescriptions for opioids and other controlled prescription drugs, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) stated. The government's lawsuit accused Walmart of violating the US Controlled Substances Act.
"The settlement signed today proves that this department is committed to prioritizing the prosperity of Americans," said Deputy Attorney General Stanley Woodward in a statement. "Congress enacted laws designed to promote responsibility and accountability from companies dispensing controlled substances, in order to protect Americans. This department will never shy away from vigorously enforcing the pharmacies' obligations to comply with these safeguards, and ensuring that potential profits never justify contributing to the opioid epidemic in our country."
The lawsuit claims that Walmart filled invalid prescriptions with the knowledge of pharmacists and company officials responsible for compliance, starting in June 2013. According to the Department of Justice, some pharmacists reported the alleged illegal activity to the company's compliance officials, but the team prioritized increasing sales over adhering to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pharmacists also allegedly knowingly filled invalid prescriptions issued by doctors operating within "pill mills," or prescriptions containing warning signs such as dangerous drug combinations, early refill requests, or high opioid dosages.
As part of the settlement, Walmart has agreed to establish a hotline for reporting suspected illegal activity and will be required to proactively monitor drug dispensing patterns in its pharmacies.
The settlement joins a long line of legal actions in the US opioid crisis, involving drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacy chains. Previous major settlements include those with Johnson & Johnson, Teva, and Walgreens.
