The proposal would limit the accessibility of controlled substances, such as testosterone, into the U.S.
In February, the US Drug Enforcement Administration proposed a change to the telehealth law that would limit access of controlled substances. Following the proposal, there were many critics speaking out against the change and that includes Derek from More Plates More Dates.
This proposal would impact the fitness world because testosterone would be limited. In both bodybuilding and powerlifting, testosterone replacement therapy has become more and more common. Larry Wheels has been showing off his progress over the last year since he decided to ween off steroids. Wheels has transitioned to TRT and has been able to downsize a bit while remaining shredded and strong as ever.
This week, Iain Valliere spoke out against the use of TRT claiming that “you aren’t supposed to feel 25 at 65.” Despite opinions on testosterone, this rule will also impact certain prescriptions and disorder medications.
Derek MPMD Speaks Against Proposal
After the DEA announced this proposal, it received some backlash and Derek MPMD decided to share an in-depth breakdown of the details and how it could be difficult for many.
“It can be burdensome, complicated, and present significant obstacles that will be fairly problematic to say the least.”
During his video, which he shared to Instagram, Derek broke down some complications. These include cost, convenience, efficiency, and of course the possibility of those going underground for substances.
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“Like how many people are going to go to UGL labs after this and end up on testosterone brewed in a bathtub because of this? Potentially, quite a few people.”
Derek ended the video by explaining that he is not an “accurate interpretation” of the proposal but at this point, it does not seem like anyone is. There are many questions surrounding this and it makes it even more difficult moving forward.
“I am not the representation of an accurate interpretation of this. It seems like no one really knows for sure how problematic and strict this will actually be, if it goes through…All we know is that it does lump a lot of things into this proposal that perhaps were not intended to be and can be quite problematic for patients and lead to harm, complications, increased cost. Making it just inaccessible or completely inefficient for many, unfortunately.”
DEA Proposal To Limit Telehealth Prescriptions
The full proposal was laid out in a statement by the DEA.
“The proposed rules do not affect:
- Telemedicine consultations that do not involve the prescribing of controlled medications.
- Telemedicine consultations by a medical practitioner that has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of a patient.
The proposed rules also would not affect:
- Telemedicine consultations and prescriptions by a medical practitioner to whom a patient has been referred, as long as the referring medical practitioner has previously conducted an in-person medical examination of the patient.”
Telehealth became a common procedure during the pandemic when patients were not allowed to visit a doctors’ office. These patient visits will have to occur at least once before obtaining a prescription for controlled substances, if the new regulation is passed. Refills will continue to be able to be prescribed via telehealth.
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