CVS Pharmacy to pay US$315 million to settle US opioid lawsuit

US-based pharmacy chain CVS has agreed to pay US$315 million to settle a lawsuit alleging unlawful opioid prescription practices and fraudulent activity, according to federal prosecutors. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward emphasized the significance of this settlement in the Justice Department's ongoing efforts to address the opioid epidemic by targeting pharmacies that unlawfully dispense controlled substances.

The lawsuit, filed by former CVS employee Hillary Estright, alleged that the company illegally filled prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances between 2013 and 2025. Prosecutors also claimed that CVS filled prescriptions from pill mill prescribers, who issued excessive controlled substance prescriptions without any legitimate medical purpose. CVS confirmed the settlement but denied any wrongdoing, stating that they disagree with the claims made in the case.

The settlement resolves a civil lawsuit initiated by Estright under a legal provision that allows private parties to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of the recovery. The exact amount of Estright's share of the settlement has not been disclosed. CVS employs over 27,000 pharmacists across its United States stores and has implemented programs to assist pharmacists in making informed decisions for patients' benefit.