Neronha settles $56M with major pharmacies regarding opioid epidemic

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a settlement of $56 million with major pharmacies CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens regarding the opioid epidemic.

Neronha said the settlement is part of a multistate settlement to hold corporations accountable for furthering the opioid epidemic across the country.

Neronha filed consent judgments with each of the pharmacies. Once approved by the court the funds are expected to be distributed beginning in 2024 and through 2037.

“There is no question that at the relevant points in time, these national pharmacies decided to put profits over the people of Rhode Island, and indeed all Americans,” said Attorney General Neronha. “And while no amount of money will ever be enough to undo the harm they have caused to Rhode Islanders and their families, through these now-finalized settlements, we can continue to fund desperately needed resources for treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts.”

The Attorney General said that the United States saw nearly a four-fold increase in the annual number of opioid pills dispensed by pharmacies between 1999 and 2014.

Neronha added that over 430 Rhode Islanders lost their lives to accidental overdose in 2022, with over 380 of those deaths attributed to opioids.

The companies are facing legal action brought by the DEA and the United States Department of Justice concerning their opioids business practices.

Neronha said that the series of settlements against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and consultants that this agreement is part of will bring $330 million in resources to the state of Rhode Island.