Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has announced the finalization of settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, and Walgreens, following multi-year investigations into their roles in fueling the opioid crisis in Maryland.

These settlements are expected to provide $238 million to support Maryland county efforts in combating the opioid epidemic. Additionally, the settlements require these companies to cease practices that contributed to the crisis and take preventive measures against further illegal conduct.

“The opioid epidemic has claimed thousands of innocent lives through addiction and overdoses, has torn families apart, and has devastated communities across this country,” said Attorney General Brown. “This settlement money will help support recovery efforts in Maryland and prevent future loss where we need it most. It also serves as a reminder that my Office will continue holding accountable those responsible for fueling the opioid crisis.”

According to court documents filed in the Circuit Court for Frederick County, Teva marketed and sold extremely dangerous and addictive rapid-onset fentanyl products, including Actiq and Fentora, for non-cancer conditions, leading to inappropriate prescribing practices. Allergan misled prescribers and patients about the safety of its extended-release morphine product, Kadian, by deceptively representing it as safer than other opioids, contributing to overprescription and addiction.

The complaints against Walmart and Walgreens allege that these pharmacy chains failed to investigate problematic opioid prescriptions before filling them, despite their legal duties and promises to promote customers’ health and safety. This led to the filling of inappropriate and unsafe opioid prescriptions, contributing to addiction and death among Marylanders.

Maryland’s settlements with these companies are part of a broader collaborative effort with other states. The revenue from these settlements will be placed in the Maryland Opioid Restitution Fund to support efforts to ease the opioid crisis. The settlements highlight the commitment of Maryland’s Attorney General to hold accountable those responsible for fueling the opioid crisis and to support recovery efforts in Maryland.

For more information, please see the full press release on the Maryland Attorney General’s website.