Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
CVS agrees to $315 million opioid prescriptions settlement
Settlement
CVS Pharmacy Inc. and related corporate entities agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations concerning opioid and other controlled-substance prescriptions and claims submitted to federal healthcare programs. The settlement also includes an agreement with the DEA requiring CVS to establish a reporting hotline and monitoring and prescriber-review processes. The claims resolved are allegations only, and no liability determination has been made.
Company response
Remediation — CVS
In addition to the monetary payment announced today, CVS has entered into a memorandum of agreement with DEA to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. This agreement requires CVS to establish a hotline for both employees and the public to report suspected illegal dispensing of controlled substances, proactively monitor the dispensing patterns of its pharmacies to identify and address potentially illegal dispensing, and establish a process to evaluate prescribers suspected of illegal prescribing.
Source excerpt
In addition to the monetary payment announced today, CVS has entered into a memorandum of agreement with DEA to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. This agreement requires CVS to establish a hotline for both employees and the public to report suspected illegal dispensing of controlled substances, proactively monitor the dispensing patterns of its pharmacies to identify and address potentially illegal dispensing, and establish a process to evaluate prescribers suspected of illegal prescribing.
US Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that CVS Pharmacy Inc. chain, and its related corporate entities have agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations in an opioid prescriptions and claims case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
2021
Lawsuit alleges injury from CVS Health Peas
Lawsuit filed
A Connecticut resident filed a lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy alleging that CVS Health Peas ruptured after being microwaved as directed, spilling heated contents and causing burns. The filing alleges product negligence and inadequate or misleading instructions. These are allegations made in the lawsuit and not a court finding.
Source excerpt
The plaintiff believes that the defendant’s product was improperly or inadequately designed, manufactured, and or labeled.
On Wednesday, a Connecticut resident filed a lawsuit against CVS Pharmacy in the District of Connecticut, citing personal injury and loss of sensation after the use of CVS Health Peas, a therapeutic product sold by the pharmacy chain.
Upon removing the CVS Health Peas from the microwave, the complaint said, the plastic casing of the product suddenly, and without warning, ruptured and the heated contents were caused to spill out onto the plaintiff.
2019
CVS Pharmacy suspends sales of Zantac and ranitidine products
Corrective action
CVS Pharmacy said it suspended sales of Zantac-brand and CVS Health-brand ranitidine products until further notice. The suspension followed an FDA alert that ranitidine products may contain a possible human carcinogen. According to the source, the products had not been recalled, and the FDA was not recommending that patients stop taking them.
Source excerpt
CVS Pharmacy announced Saturday that it has suspended the sale of all Zantac brand and CVS Health-brand ranitidine products until further notice
The announcement comes in response to an alert from the FDA that ranitidine products may contain a possible human carcinogen and cause cancer.
While Zantac and ranitidine products have not been recalled, and the FDA is not recommending patients stop taking these products, customers can still return the products to CVS for a refund.
2019
California announces $3.6 million enforcement action against CVS Pharmacy
Fine or penalty
California's CalRecycle announced a $3.6 million enforcement action against CVS Pharmacy, alleging that 81 of its 848 retail stores in the state failed to offer California Redemption Value for recyclable bottles and cans.
Source excerpt
CalRecycle accuses 81 of the pharmacy's 848 retail stores statewide of failing to offer California Redemption Value (CRV) for recyclable bottles and cans.
The state agency CalRecycle announced Monday an enforcement action against CVS Pharmacy for $3.6 million.
2013
Connecticut hazardous-waste case
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection alleged that CVS had improperly identified, managed, and disposed of hazardous materials. CVS agreed to pay $800,000 in connection with the matter.