The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory warning about disrupted medication access for individuals taking prescription stimulants for ADHD. This advisory follows the U.S. Department of Justice's announcement on June 13, 2024, of a fraud indictment against a large subscription-based telehealth company that currently provides ADHD treatment to 30,000 to 50,000 patients nationwide aged 18 years and older.
This disruption is particularly concerning given the ongoing prescription drug shortage for stimulant medications commonly used to treat ADHD, such as Adderall. Patients who experience disruptions in their treatment and seek medication outside the regulated healthcare system are at a heightened risk of overdose due to the prevalence of counterfeit pills in the illegal drug market, which may contain dangerous substances like fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that 7 out of every 10 pills seized from the illegal drug market contain a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Patients are urged to avoid using medication obtained from unlicensed sources. All healthcare providers should consider prescribing naloxone as a safety precaution and ensure patients have access to this life-saving medication. Public health professionals are advised to communicate the risks of disrupted care and the dangers of replacing prescription medications with illegal drugs. Clinicians should help patients find new healthcare providers and educate them about the risks of using unregulated medications. Pharmacists should avoid stigmatizing affected patients, recognize the importance of telehealth, and ensure patients are aware of the risks associated with counterfeit medications.
Overall, the CDC emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to support affected patients, mitigate overdose risks, and ensure safe access to ADHD treatments amidst the disruption in telehealth services and ongoing prescription drug shortages.