What You Should Know:
– Following federal investigations into Done Global’s Adderall prescribing practices, Google and TikTok have banned the telehealth company from advertising on their platforms.
– A spokesperson for LegitScript declined to comment on the specific situation regarding Done Global.
Adderall and ADHD Treatment Under Scrutiny
Adderall, a stimulant medication commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is at the center of the controversy. The Justice Department has charged a total of five individuals connected to Done Global with illegally distributing Adderall and other controlled substances.
These charges follow earlier arrests of Done’s founder and a senior doctor on fraud and conspiracy allegations. The Justice Department launched its investigation in 2022 after reports of pressure placed on Done clinicians to prescribe stimulants.
Done’s Continued Advertising Despite Concerns
Despite losing a critical third-party certification, LegitScript, in November 2022, Done reportedly continued spending heavily on online advertising. This included approximately $20M on Google Ads and $3M in TikTok ads. This aggressive ad strategy is believed to have significantly increased Done’s patient base, with an estimated 57k receiving prescriptions monthly.
Action by Tech Giants: Google and TikTok Ban Done Ads
Following inquiries, both Google and TikTok announced bans on Done advertising until the company regains its LegitScript certification. Meta, another major advertising platform, requires LegitScript certification but allows Done to run ads promoting services, excluding prescription drugs. Done has reportedly spent around $7M on Meta ads since losing LegitScript certification.
