Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, has been involved in several significant lawsuits throughout 2025, facing legal challenges ranging from opioid crisis litigation to employment disputes and consumer protection claims. These lawsuits highlight ongoing regulatory scrutiny and public pressure on the company regarding its business practices and responsibilities.
Opioid Crisis Litigation Against Walgreens
A major strand of lawsuits against Walgreens involves its role in the opioid epidemic. Various states, counties, and municipalities have sued Walgreens, alleging the company negligently distributed opioids, failing to monitor suspicious orders and contributing to widespread addiction and overdose deaths. Walgreens, along with other pharmaceutical retailers, are accused of ignoring red flags and facilitating excessive opioid distribution.
In 2025, Walgreens reached several multi-million dollar settlements with governments and affected communities, agreeing to implement stricter monitoring programs and contribute financially to addiction treatment and prevention efforts. Despite settlements, some cases remain active, with plaintiffs seeking further accountability and systemic changes.
Employment and Labor Disputes
Walgreens has faced class action lawsuits regarding alleged wage and hour violations, including unpaid overtime and misclassification of employees, particularly among pharmacy technicians and retail staff. These suits contend that Walgreens’ labor practices violated federal and state employment laws, impacting thousands of workers nationwide.
Some lawsuits have resulted in settlements providing monetary relief to employees and commitments by Walgreens to improve labor compliance, while others continue litigating claims in courts.
Consumer Protection and False Advertising Claims
The retailer has also been challenged in lawsuits alleging deceptive pricing practices, misleading marketing of prescription drugs and health products, and failure to adequately inform consumers about privacy and data sharing policies.
Lawsuits accuse Walgreens of inflating prices or advertising discounts that did not materialize, impacting consumers financially and eroding trust.
COVID-19 Related Legal Actions
Amid the pandemic, Walgreens faced lawsuits related to its vaccination and testing programs. Some plaintiffs alleged inadequate safety measures for employees and customers, while others challenged claims about vaccine availability and efficacy.
These legal matters prompted Walgreens to review public health protocols and communication strategies, emphasizing transparency and compliance with health regulations.
Regulatory Investigations and Settlements
Beyond lawsuits, Walgreens is subject to investigations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and state pharmacy boards regarding its dispensing practices and data privacy policies. Some inquiries have led to fines and prompted voluntary corrective actions by Walgreens.
Impact and Future Outlook
These legal challenges pose financial and reputational risks to Walgreens, but the company continues to invest in compliance, technology upgrades, and community health initiatives to mitigate risks and restore public confidence.
Legal experts note that the evolving regulatory landscape for pharmacies requires proactive management of legal and ethical obligations to succeed long term.
Conclusion
The Walgreens lawsuits of 2025 reflect broader societal and legal shifts demanding accountability from major retail healthcare providers. Through settlements and ongoing legal defenses, Walgreens is navigating complex litigation while striving to adapt its operations and policies to meet higher standards of consumer protection and corporate responsibility.
These cases underscore the intricate balance between business imperatives, regulatory compliance, and community trust in the pharmaceutical retail sector.
