CVS, Walmart and Walgreens agree to pay $13.8bn for opioid claims – sources

Three largest US pharmacy chains tentatively agree to settle thousands of state and local government opioids lawsuits

CVS Health Corp, Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and Walmart Inc have tentatively agreed to pay about $13.8bn (12bn) to resolve thousands of US state and local government lawsuits accusing the chains of mishandling opioid painkillers, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.

The proposed settlement calls for CVS to pay $5bn over 10 years, Walgreens to pay $5.7bn over 15 years and Walmart to pay $3.1bn, mostly up front, according to the people. The sources declined to be identified, saying they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.