CVS and Walgreens are ailing. Here’s why
America’s biggest pharmacy chains are closing hundreds of stores, laying off thousands of workers and rethinking their role in our lives.
Walgreens
Walgreens will close 1,200 stores, hoping for a turnaround
Walgreens says about a quarter of its stores are unprofitable. Big pharmacy chains are struggling with growing retail competition and lower prescription payouts.
CVS and Walgreens to start dispensing abortion pill in states where it's legal
CVS will start filling prescriptions for mifepristone in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Walgreens will start in New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California and Illinois.
California will cut ties with Walgreens over the company's plan to drop abortion pills
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state would halt business with Walgreens after the pharmacy giant agreed to stop distributing mifepristone in some red states amid legal pressure.
Walgreens won't sell abortion pills in red states that threatened legal action
The 20 states where Walgreens won't sell mifepristone include some where abortion remains legal. It's not clear whether other retail pharmacies will follow suit.
CVS and Walgreens limit sales of children's meds as the 'tripledemic' drives demand
Walgreens will limit online orders of children's fever and pain medicine to six items "to help support availability and avoid excess purchases." At CVS stores, purchases will be limited to two.
CVS and Walgreens agree to pay $10 billion to settle lawsuits linked to opioid sales
CVS would pay about $5 billion and Walgreens more than $5.5 billion, though neither company has admitted wrongdoing. States have until the end of the year to accept the terms of the settlement.
Amazon Wants To Sell You Prescription Medications
Amazon launches an online pharmacy, sending shares of CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid tumbling. Amazon has pushed to compete with Walmart and major pharmacy chains that have long offered home delivery.
Walmart, CVS, Walgreens To End Practice Of Locking Up Black Beauty Products
The trio of major chains shared their decisions in separate statements, bowing to "concerns raised by our customers and members of the community."
Your Guide To The Massive (And Massively Complex) Opioid Litigation
The largest-ever federal action related to the U.S. opioid crisis is on the cusp of its first trial next week — and it's complicated. So here's a brief(ish) explainer breaking it all down.