The Latest: CVS says Florida's opioid claim 'without merit'

The Latest on Florida's lawsuit accusing CVS and Walgreens of illegal opioid sales (all times local):

1:40 p.m.

The nation's second-largest drugstore chain says Florida's lawsuit alleging that it helped fuel the state's opioid crisis "is without merit."

CVS spokesman Mike DeAngelis issued a statement Saturday saying the company is "dedicated to helping reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion." That includes training pharmacists and their assistants and public education efforts.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced late Friday that she added Walgreens and CVS to a state-court lawsuit filed last spring against Purdue Pharma, the maker of oxycontin, and several opioid distributors.

Bondi said in a press release the companies "played a role in creating the opioid crisis."

Walgreens declined to comment.

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1 p.m.

Florida is suing the nation's two largest drugstore chains, alleging they added to the state's opioid crisis.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced late Friday that she has added Walgreens and CVS to a state-court lawsuit filed last spring against Purdue Pharma, the maker of oxycontin, and several opioid distributors.

Bondi said in a press release that CVS and Walgreens "played a role in creating the opioid crisis." She said the companies failed to stop "suspicious orders of opioids" and "dispensed unreasonable quantities of opioids from their pharmacies."     

CVS did not immediately respond Saturday to emails seeking comment. Walgreens did not immediately respond to a phone message and emails.

The federal government says about 45 people die daily because of opioid overdoses.