DOJ Joins Qui Tam Plaintiff’s Case Regarding CVS Opioid Sales

Drug manufacturers and large pharmaceutical retailers bear significant responsibility for the opioid crisis in the United States. However, pinpointing specific instances of misconduct usually requires some inside knowledge. Now, a former employee of a drugstore giant has come forward alleging misconduct in the sale of these dangerous medications, and federal prosecutors are taking up her case. 

Hillary Estright, who used to work at CVS, filed a whistleblower lawsuit in 2019 under the qui tam provisions of the Federal False Claims Act (FCA). Her complaint accuses the nationwide retailer of knowingly filling prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, violated professional practice norms or were otherwise invalid. Estright's claims shine a spotlight on CVS’s alleged role in perpetuating unsafe practices related to prescription opioids, raising serious questions about corporate accountability during a nationwide opioid crisis. In December 2024, the Department of Justice has sued CVS based in part on Estright’s allegations. 

According to the complaint, CVS repeatedly filled prescriptions for large quantities of opioids and other controlled substances without verifying their legitimacy. The retail chain also distributed “Trinity” prescriptions, comprised of an opioid, a benzodiazepine, and a muscle relaxant. This combination is widely associated with abuse and overdose. Moreover, Estright claims CVS filled prescriptions from providers engaged in “pill mill” operations, where controlled substances are prescribed in high volumes with little to no medical oversight. Aggressive sales goals fostered an environment of noncompliance and company policies barred pharmacists from warning each other about suspect opioid prescribers, Estright says. 

Estright's lawsuit asserts that CVS violated the FCA by billing federal healthcare programs, such as Tricare, for these unlawful prescriptions. Under the FCA, individuals or entities that submit false claims for government payment can be held liable. Qui tam provisions allow whistleblowers such Estright to bring such violations to light and potentially share in any recovered funds.

By exposing alleged misconduct, Estright has drawn attention to the responsibility of pharmacies in preventing prescription drug abuse and potentially stands in line to obtain a substantial monetary award. The allegations also highlight the need for stricter oversight and enforcement to ensure compliance with laws governing controlled substances. If you have concerns about fraud or illegal practices related to your workplace, consult with an experienced whistleblower attorney at Kardell Law Group to understand your options and the laws that protect you.