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Pharmacies CVS and Walgreens have recently found themselves at the wrong end of a major lawsuit in 2022. Currently facing numerous lawsuits, the pharmacies are set to finalize the details of their settlement shortly. These lawsuits surround the claims that both pharmacies significantly contributed to the opioid crisis the United States is currently facing. More specifically, the lawsuits claim that both pharmacies contributed by improperly, or in some cases, failing to oversee the sales of their pharmacy drugs. Collectively, the pharmacy companies have agreed to pay $10.7 billion dollars - that's approximately $5.7 billion for Walgreens and $5 billion for CVS. This deal, which has been in the works for some time now, will include provisions that make requirements that "include court-ordered injunctive relief that requires the pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions." These negotiations became public in November of 2022, and includes discussions with attorney generals of North Caroline, Texas, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, California, Colorado, and Louisiana.

Another pharmaceutical giant - Walmart, has also announced that they are in settlement talks regarding the opioid crisis as well. Although still a giant, Walmart will likely pay around $3 billion for their own fault. More information will become public at the start of the new year.

The MDL is In re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, case number 1:17-md-02804, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

CVS is represented by Zuckerman Spaeder LLP.

Walgreens is represented by Bartlit Beck LLP.