After the U.S. Department of Justice indicted two top executives at telemedicine company Done, the Centers for Disease Control issued a statement warning of an increased risk of drug injuries and overdoses. Thursday. The company allegedly provides drugs like Adderall to people who don’t need them, and while it’s unclear whether existing patients can still get prescriptions, the CDC knows what will happen if they don’t.
The CDC worries that making it harder for people to obtain Adderall will force many patients to turn to black market alternatives, including ones that may be mixed with other drugs like fentanyl. People with ADHD may resort to other forms of self-medication, such as binge drinking, after withdrawal causes social and emotional difficulties. Patients are also at increased risk for suicide, according to the CDC.
“Patients who rely on prescription stimulant medications to treat ADHD and have been using this or other similar subscription-based telehealth platforms may experience interruptions in treatment and access to care,” the CDC said in an advisory posted online. Case. Thursday.
The CDC warns that potential patient disruption from Done telehealth services could affect approximately 30,000 to 50,000 people in all 50 states. Americans already live with a shortage of ADHD medications—a shortage created entirely by the DEA in coordination with pharmaceutical companies in the name of protecting the public.
The CDC urges people with ADHD not to seek other methods of self-medication, which is obviously easier said than done in a country with such a broken social safety net.
“In view of the country’s drug overdose crisis In its recommendations, the CDC said, “Due to threats associated with the illicit drug market, individuals who have difficulty obtaining prescription stimulant medications should avoid using medications obtained from anyone other than a licensed clinician and a licensed pharmacy. .
According to a recent survey, approximately 43% of Americans who need health care due to substance abuse do not receive it National Council on Mental Health. The survey showed that cost-related issues were the top factor.
The CDC did not immediately respond to an emailed question Thursday about whether the Justice Department’s prosecution of Doane’s top executives would have a net negative or net positive impact on public health. Gizmodo will update this article when we hear back.
