01:39 PM EST, 01/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates stock move in the first paragraph and company's statement from fourth paragraph onwards.)

Walgreens Boots Alliance ( WBA ) shares were down nearly 14% in recent Tuesday trading as the company faces a lawsuit filed by the US Department of Justice Thursday over the company's alleged improper dispensing of opioids.

"Walgreens filled millions of invalid controlled-substance prescriptions in violation of federal law," according to the lawsuit. In addition, the company allegedly "systematically pressured" pharmacists to quickly fill prescriptions without taking the time needed to verify the prescriptions' legitimacy.

The company also allegedly "knowingly and unlawfully" reimbursed several illegally filled prescriptions under federal health care programs, according to the lawsuit. The DOJ alleged that these practices date back to August 2012.

Walgreens criticized what it called "the government's attempt to enforce arbitrary 'rules' that do not appear in any law or regulation and never went through any official rulemaking process."

"Walgreens stands behind our pharmacists, dedicated healthcare professionals who live in the communities they serve, filling legitimate prescriptions for FDA-approved medications written by DEA-licensed prescribers in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations," the company said Friday in a statement.

While it is seeking clarification from the court regarding the responsibilities of pharmacies and pharmacists, Walgreens said it "will not stand by and allow the government to put our pharmacists in a no-win situation, trying to comply with 'rules' that simply do not exist."

Price: 10.77, Change: -1.75, Percent Change: -13.98