The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that there could be difficulties for individuals relying on ADHD medication amid the arrest of two key pharmaceutical executives
Patients who rely on ADHD medication could be facing severe disruptions after the arrest of two executives from a key distribution company.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a stark warning to those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder on Thursday, alerting them to “potential disrupted access to care among individuals taking prescription stimulant medications and possible increased risks for injury and overdose.”
Simultaneously, the US Department of Justice announced indictments against two individuals associated with digital health company Done Global. The CDC’s advisory highlighted the uncertainty of the situation, stating: “Patients who rely on prescription stimulant medications to treat their ADHD and have been using this or other similar subscription-based telehealth platforms could experience a disruption to their treatment and disrupted access to care. A disruption involving this large telehealth company could impact as many as 30,000 to 50,000 patients ages 18 years and older across all 50 U.S. states.”
READ MORE: Stroke risk increasing in younger people, ‘concerning’ report finds
Ruthia He, founder and chief executive of Done Global, along with clinical president David Brody, were the two arrested last week. He was taken into custody in Los Angeles on Thursday, charged with participating in a scheme to illegally distribute Adderall over the internet and conspiring to commit healthcare fraud and obstruct justice. Brody was apprehended in San Rafael, California.
The Justice Department alleges that He and Brody raked in over $100 million (£789,141) by arranging for the prescriptions of more than 40 million pills, targeting “drug seekers” and instructing prescribers to prescribe stimulants to patients even if they didn’t qualify, according to CNN.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said: “As alleged, these defendants exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to develop and carry out a $100 million scheme to defraud taxpayers and provide easy access to Adderall and other stimulants for no legitimate medical purpose, Those seeking to profit from addiction by illegally distributing controlled substances over the internet should know that they cannot hide their crimes and that the Justice Department will hold them accountable.”
For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Brody’s lawyer Naomi Chung stated he had pleaded not guilty to all charges. She added: “Dr. Brody worked to promote access to medical treatment for those with ADHD in the face of both widespread stigma and the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic.”
The arrests mark the justice department’s first criminal drug distribution prosecutions related to prescribing via telemedicine through a digital health company. If found guilty, He and Brody could face up to 20 years in prison.
Last year, a study by the CDC revealed that prescriptions for stimulants often used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) saw a significant increase during the pandemic, particularly among adults. Between 2016 and 2020, the proportion of the population filling a prescription for a stimulant drug remained relatively stable.
However, 2021 witnessed a substantial rise, with prescription fills surging over 10% across most age groups.
The latest advisory from the CDC highlighted an ongoing drug shortage in the US, including ADHD medications. It warned: “Patients whose care or access to prescription stimulant medications is disrupted, and who seek medication outside of the regulated healthcare system, might significantly increase their risk of overdose due to the prevalence of counterfeit pills in the illegal drug market that could contain unexpected substances, including fentanyl.”
“Given the national drug overdose crisis and threats associated with the illegal drug market, individuals struggling to access prescription stimulant medications are urged to avoid using medication obtained from anyone other than a licensed clinician and licensed pharmacy. Health officials and healthcare providers may need to assist affected patients seeking treatment for ADHD and should communicate overdose risks associated with the current illegal drug market as well as provide overdose prevention education and mental health support.”
