📅 2026 Update: Changes in Controlled Substances and Telehealth

Since the original article on Vioxx was written, there have been important updates regarding telemedicine and the prescribing of controlled substances. These changes impact both patients and healthcare providers. You can find the earlier article further down the page.

🏥 Telemedicine Flexibilities Extended

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances through December 31, 2026. This means that DEA-registered practitioners can prescribe Schedule II-V medications via telehealth without requiring a prior in-person visit.

💊 Buprenorphine Telemedicine Rule

On January 17, 2025, a final rule was issued by the DEA and HHS to make telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing buprenorphine permanent. Buprenorphine is important for treating opioid use disorder, ensuring patients can access this medication through virtual consultations.

🧠 Mental Health Parity Rules

New rules from the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Effective November 22, 2024, these rules ensure that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are treated the same as medical and surgical benefits. This helps improve access to necessary treatments.

📅 Key Deadlines

The current telemedicine flexibilities will remain in effect until December 31, 2026. Patients seeking buprenorphine treatment can initiate this at any time without specific deadlines, increasing treatment accessibility.

📌 Summary of Key Points

  • 🏥 Telemedicine prescribing for controlled substances extended to December 31, 2026.
  • 💊 Buprenorphine telemedicine prescribing rules made permanent.
  • 🧠 New MHPAEA rules improve mental health and addiction treatment access.
  • 📅 No specific deadlines for starting buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine.

💡 Tips for Navigating Telehealth and Controlled Substances

Reviewing your situation with an attorney is important to understand how these changes may affect you.

📞 Use Telehealth for Convenience

Telehealth allows patients to consult with DEA-registered practitioners from home. This can be particularly helpful for those with mobility issues or who live in remote areas.

🗓️ Schedule Appointments Early

Processing times for telehealth prescriptions can vary by provider. Some platforms may offer same-day consultations, while others might require several days for an appointment.

💰 Check Costs Ahead of Time

Costs for telehealth consultations can differ widely between providers. It's advisable to inquire about pricing before scheduling your appointment to avoid unexpected fees.

🔍 Verify Practitioner Credentials

When seeking telehealth prescriptions for controlled substances, ensure the practitioner is DEA-registered. This is crucial for compliance with federal regulations and for your safety.

📋 Be Prepared for Consultations

Patients should have their medical history ready for the consultation. This helps the practitioner assess the need for medication effectively and efficiently.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section lists services connected to telehealth and controlled substances. These services are rated based on user reviews and feedback, which can change over time. Trustpilot scores reflect customer experiences, and it's important to consider that unhappy customers often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Talkiatry

Talkiatry has been rated 2.4 stars. This service is known for offering online psychiatry services and medication management. However, users have noted limited insurance coverage and variable clinician quality as significant drawbacks.

🥈 2. Direct Meds

Direct Meds holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It is recognized for providing GLP-1 telehealth services and compounded medications. While many customers appreciate the quality verification, some have reported limited insurance acceptance and possible medication side effects.

🥉 3. Hims & Hers Health

Hims & Hers Health averages a score of 3.0. This service is known for its online healthcare offerings, including prescription medications and personal care products. Customers have expressed concerns about customer service issues and the effectiveness of some products.

4️⃣ LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health has a Trustpilot score of 4.0. It provides mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry through telehealth. However, users have reported inconsistent service quality and challenges with appointment availability.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The U.S. Department of Labor and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer free resources. The Department of Labor provides information on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.

SAMHSA offers a national helpline for substance use disorder treatment referrals.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 📋 Practitioner credentials and DEA registration.
  • 💰 Cost of consultations and insurance acceptance.
  • 🗓️ Availability of appointments and processing times.
  • 🤝 Customer service and support options.
  • 📈 User reviews and ratings from reliable sources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❔ What are Schedule II-V controlled substances?

Schedule II-V controlled substances include medications with varying levels of potential for abuse. Schedule II substances, like Adderall, have a high potential for abuse, while Schedule IV substances, such as Ambien, have a lower risk.

🏥 How do I get a telehealth prescription?

To obtain a telehealth prescription for controlled substances, you must have a video consultation with a DEA-registered practitioner. They will assess your medical history and determine if a prescription is appropriate.

📅 Are there deadlines for telehealth prescriptions?

The current telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances remain in effect through December 31, 2026. Patients can access these services without specific deadlines for treatment initiation.

💊 What is buprenorphine used for?

Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for patients to manage their recovery.

📞 Can I consult a provider for addiction treatment via telehealth?

Yes, you can consult a provider for addiction treatment via telehealth. Many services now offer virtual consultations, making it easier to access necessary care.

👩‍⚕️ How can I find a telehealth provider?

To find a telehealth provider for controlled substances, you can search online for services that offer virtual consultations. Be sure to verify their credentials and check user reviews for quality assurance.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Drug Regulations

Recent court rulings have addressed issues surrounding drug regulations and telehealth prescribing. These rulings are relevant to ongoing discussions about medication access and patient rights.

For more information, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






What is Vioxx?



 



 

Vioxx


Vioxx is the brand name of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was produced by Merck Pharmaceuticals. The purpose of the drug was to treat osteoarthritis, acute pain and dysmenorrhoea. It existed on the market from 1999 until it was voluntarily withdrawn by Merck in 2004 in the wake of widespread reports that the drug was causing serious risk of increased heart attack and stroke.



 



 



Side effects



 



 



Beginning in 2001 a study known as the VIGOR study revealed evidence that Vioxx was 4 times as likely to cause heart attacks in users than those taking naproxen, another NSAID often marketed as Aleve.



 



 



Government Regulation



 



 



In the wake of the VIGOR study the FDA sent a warning letter to Merck's CEO informing him that the company should include in their warning labels that there is a 4 to 5 fold increase in myocardial infractions associated with the drug as compared to naproxen. In response Merck added a "black box" label to Vioxx containers stating the increased risk for heart attack and stroke. A "black box" label is the highest level of warning the FDA can require on drug labeling. It entails a black box printed on the label with the warning written within.



 



 



In 2004 Merck voluntarily removed Vioxx from the market after their APPROVE study showed patients had almost a two-fold chance of having a heart attack compared to those who took placebos. Later in 2004 the FDA released a report that estimated that the use of Vioxx caused approximately 88,000 to 140,000 heart attacks, 30% - 40% of which were probably fatal.



 



 



In 2008 information began to lead to the conclusion that Merck had known of the adverse side effects associated with Vioxx before the FDA got involved. Research during litigation discovery uncovered numerous documents showing that Merck engaged in a ghostwriting campaign to shield the truth about Vioxx. Of the 250 documents found it was discovered that Merck employees were responsible for the documents or the employees worked in collaboration in writing the documents.



 



 



Litigation



 



 



Litigation over Vioxx has resulted in Merck paying more than $4.8 billion in settlements concerning heart attacks, stroke and death associated with patients taking the medication. The internal company documents linking the company to a "ghostwriting" campaign were especially damning in showing Merck's knowledge of the conditions and failure to remove the product from the market. In addition, Merck has been order to pay $58 million to the states and the District of Columbia as part of a multistate consumer protection settlement, the largest in U.S. history.



 



 



What to do if you took Vioxx?



 



 



If you or someone you know has taken Vioxx as part of treatment for osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, or acute pain and suffered heart attack, stroke, or death it is important that you see an attorney immediately. The word is out on Vioxx and if the drug is linked to your condition then it you should be entitled to money damages. The statute of limitations for Vioxx injury lawsuits is running so don't sit on your rights.