Walgreens
Flagged · AvoidOne of America's largest pharmacy chains, known for its sprawling retail footprint and a pattern of closing locations in the low-income neighborhoods that need them most.
Last updated May 7, 2026
Reasons to avoid
Issues span:OtherHuman RightsConsumerLabor
- $350M settlement for knowingly filling millions of illegal opioid prescriptions, fueling the opioid epidemic.
- $683M settlement with Florida for improperly dispensing painkillers, with over half showing red flags for abuse.
- $269M settlement for billing fraud, overbilling Medicare and Medicaid for prescriptions.
- $4.5M settlement for wage theft, including rounding down timecards and denying meal breaks.
- Child labor violations for employing a 12-year-old in violation of federal law.
- Multiple discrimination lawsuits for racial, age, pregnancy, and disability discrimination.
- Refused to dispense abortion medication in 20 states even where legal, following political pressure.
Ethical alternatives
Health & Wellness
Local Independent Pharmacies
Support local pharmacists who provide personalized care and know your health history.
📍 Local Business
Costco Pharmacy
Consistently lower prescription prices and better working conditions for pharmacy staff.
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Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
Transparent pricing on generic medications at cost plus 15%, no insurance needed.
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