Natural State News

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge filed a lawsuit against Walgreens on March 15 over allegations that the company's failure to flag suspicious orders directly contributed to the influx of opioids on the black market, according to a press report.

Rutledge stated in an interview that while she hoped to hold Walgreens accountable, she also wished to ensure the safety of the community by using the resources gained from the lawsuit.

"This is about not only holding this company accountable but making sure that we have the resources for Arkansas for the future," Rutledge said. "It's not just about yesterday. It's about today, tomorrow and the future for the state of Arkansas."

According to Rutledge, the resources acquired from the lawsuit would be used to provide educational opportunities and treatment to individuals dealing with addiction.

The lawsuit alleges that Walgreens cost the state millions of dollars for opioid orders that were illegal or harmful to consumers by distributing approximately 142 million doses of oxycodone and hydrocodone in Arkansas between 2006 and 2014, according to a press report.

Walgreens, who responded that it would defend itself from the lawsuit, claimed company policy and procedures have always focused on patients' health and safety by fully preparing their pharmacists to make the best clinical judgments.