DOJ Sues CVS Over Allegedly Unlawful Opioid Sales

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed a civil complaint Wednesday, accusing CVS Pharmacy Inc. and its subsidiaries of filling unlawful prescriptions in violation of the federal Controlled Substances Act, Steve LeBlanc reported for the Associated Press.

Prosecutors claim that between October 17, 2013, and the present, CVS filled prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, early refills, and “trinity” prescriptions—a dangerous mix of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant. I Photo: Harrison Keely Wikimedia Commons

The complaint also alleges that CVS sought reimbursement from federal healthcare programs for these prescriptions, thereby violating the False Claims Act. CVS, the largest pharmacy chain in the U.S. with over 9,000 locations, denied the allegations.

A CVS spokesperson stated that the company has cooperated with the DOJ’s four-year investigation and strongly disputes both the allegations and the “false narrative” presented in the complaint.

Prosecutors claim that between October 17, 2013, and the present, CVS filled prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, early refills, and “trinity” prescriptions—a dangerous mix of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant.

CVS also allegedly dispensed large quantities of controlled substances prescribed by providers known to be operating “pill mills,” or facilities issuing prescriptions without legitimate medical purposes.