The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have issued joint warning letters to operators of two websites engaged in the illegal online sale of Schedule II stimulants, including amphetamine drugs marketed as Adderall. This decisive action highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health by preventing the unlawful distribution of prescription medications over the internet. These websites are selling Adderall Online without requiring a prescription, posing significant health risks to consumers.
Adderall, a prescription medication approved by the FDA, carries a high risk of misuse and addiction. Its use should strictly be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The recent joint operation underscores the ongoing efforts of federal agencies to mitigate the dangers associated with drugs illegally sold online, particularly stimulants like Adderall that are prone to abuse.
“This action demonstrates the FDA’s dedication to utilizing all available regulatory and compliance tools to stop online businesses from illegally selling potentially dangerous drug products to consumers,” stated FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. He emphasized the serious risks associated with the illegal online sale of prescription stimulants, noting, “The illegal sale of prescription drug stimulants online endangers Americans and contributes to the potential for abuse, misuse, and overdose. These specific types of online pharmacies also undermine our initiatives to assist consumers in safely purchasing legitimate prescription medicines via the internet. The FDA will continue its partnership with the DEA in an effort to protect public health and safeguard consumers who require access to these vital medications.”
Purchasing prescription drugs from unverified online sources carries substantial health risks. Products marketed as genuine Adderall from these illegal websites may be counterfeit, contaminated, expired, or otherwise harmful. Consumers are strongly advised to be vigilant and avoid purchasing prescription medications from such unauthorized online vendors.
The FDA has issued warning letters to the following website operators:
Consumers who have obtained medications from these websites are urged to dispose of unused medicine immediately and refrain from further purchases or use of prescription drugs acquired from these sources without a valid prescription. For safe access to prescription medications, the FDA recommends utilizing state-licensed U.S. pharmacies or consulting with physicians within the United States. These regulated channels ensure adherence to quality standards in drug manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and labeling, overseen by the FDA and state authorities.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram also commented on the agency’s actions, stating, “These letters serve as a warning not only to companies that illegally sell prescription medications but also to consumers who have purchased or considered purchasing medications online without a legitimate prescription. The safety and legitimacy of pills sold on unaccredited sites cannot be guaranteed. The DEA strongly advises individuals seeking controlled medications to obtain a prescription from a trusted medical professional and have it filled by a licensed pharmacy. We will continue our close collaboration with our FDA partners to uphold the integrity of the prescription drug supply chain and ensure the safety and health of our communities.”
The warning letters highlight that these websites are selling misbranded amphetamine drug products, including Adderall, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Furthermore, the operators are in breach of the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Act (RHA) by neglecting to register their online pharmacies with the DEA. This violation occurs despite their deliberate advertising and sale of controlled substances. The RHA mandates specific requirements for the legal online distribution and dispensing of controlled substances. Entities must be registered with the DEA to legally dispense controlled substances online; however, none of the cited websites are currently registered with the DEA for such activities.
The online operators are required to respond within 15 business days, outlining the specific measures they have taken or will take to rectify the identified violations and prevent future occurrences.
Additional Resources:
Media Contact: Lauren-Jei McCarthy, (240) 702-3940
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is dedicated to protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines, and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also oversees the safety and security of the nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products emitting electronic radiation, and the regulation of tobacco products.
SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration
