Amid declining trust in U.S. health care, one pharmacist highlights five over-the-counter medications he considers “scams,” prompting scrutiny of the pharmaceutical industry’s ethics.
At a Glance
- The CDC warns consumers about illegal stimulant medications for ADHD.
- A California-based digital health company faces indictment for a drug distribution scheme.
- ADHD medications are in short supply, complicating patient access to care.
- Pharmacist Grant Harting exposes five supposed “scam” medications.
The Reality of Declining Trust
Recent surveys indicate declining trust in the American health-care system, with only 60% of Americans expressing trust in 2022. The lack of transparency and ethical practices raises concerns among patients about the motivations behind health-care services.
Grant Harting, a vocal advocate for transparency in medical practice, highlights over-the-counter medications deemed exploitative. He describes these products as “complete and total garbanzo-beans trash,” reflecting broader concerns about consumer manipulation. These revelations necessitate vigilance among consumers and demand accountability from pharmaceutical entities to inspire renewed trust in the healthcare system.
The Medicinal Marketplace and Its Pitfalls
The indictment of two individuals from a California-based digital health company exemplifies this skepticism. Accusations involve an Adderall distribution scheme exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated through telemedicine. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the scheme, stating, “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.” The scheme is said to have distributed over 40 million stimulant pills, generating $100 million in revenue.
The DOJ’s indictment is the first criminal prosecution in the realm of digital health services distributing controlled substances. The CDC promptly issued a warning, urging caution around such medications, especially those obtained through subscription-based telehealth platforms. Recommendations emphasized avoiding unlicensed sources due to risks of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. The unknown quality and origin of these medications pose significant health risks, contributing to patient hesitance to rely on these services.
Amid these revelations, ADHD patients are particularly vulnerable, as medication shortages have persisted since 2022. Estimated to affect 30,000 to 50,000 adults, the scarcity complicates patient care and access immensely. Moreover, the CDC cautions that online pharmacies often operate illegally; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy finds that nearly 95% of such websites flout legal prescriptions, further endangering users.
This is HUGE. For many isolated communities, local pharmacists are the only healthcare provider they've got — Yet PBMs like CVS are under-reimbursing them so they can buy them out or drive them into bankruptcy and force patients to use their substandard drug stores. It's sick. https://t.co/75xqHVzM79
— Sara Sirota (@SaraLSirota) July 25, 2023
Pharmacists’ Role in Healthcare Integrity
Pharmacists are urged to play a crucial role amidst this chaos, informing patients about continued drug shortages and offering alternative treatment options. It is recommended that pharmacists avoid stigmatization, recognize telehealth prescriptions, and provide insights on medication risks. Historically, pharmacists handled dispensing errors discreetly, but current protocols encourage reporting errors to ensure transparency and compliance.
