FDA confirms shortages of Adderall, a popular ADHD medication
The Food and Drug Administration has approved that there is a nationwide shortage of amphetamine salts. These are commonly known as Adderall.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday that there is a nationwide shortage of the instant-release formulation of amphetamine salts. This product is commonly known as Adderall.
Adderall, a stimulant drug that treats ADHD, is available on prescription. Adderall is a stimulant medication that can treat ADHD. It is available only with a prescription.
Some people knew there was a problem because they reported not receiving medication for weeks and calling several pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. Since August, some patients have been having trouble loading Adderall orders.
It’s just like when you wake up and can’t think. Except that, it’s all day for me. Daryl Linley is a Wheat Ridge resident who told ABC Denver affiliate KMGH that Adderall has a significant impact on his life.
Teva, the largest maker of generic Adderall in the U.S., told ABC News, “the supply that we are manufacturing/distributing right now is on pace to be consistent – or greater than – our supply at this time last year by the end of this year. The demand isn’t.”
The company reported having “intermittent” backorders due to “a significant increase in prescription rates across the country, which can affect product availability.” Teva claims disruptions are only “temporary” and that inventory will recover in a few months.
Walgreens and CVS, two major retail pharmacies, reported supply chain issues. CVS told ABC News that they were “aware” of “intermittent shortages of amphetamine medications in the supply chain”, adding that their pharmacists would “work with patients who have prescribed this medication if needed.”
According to ABC News, Sandoz Pharmaceuticals is a division of Novartis and a supplier of Sandoz Amphetamine (generic Adderall). The company has been able to meet all customer orders.
Many people have complained about the difficulty of filling their prescriptions at their local pharmacy due to the shortage.
Stephanie Spires of the Fayette County School Board in Kentucky said that this issue “significantly impacts our classrooms” at a Monday meeting.
Spires stated, “I spoke to a mother today who told me she was able to get five pills.”
As the school year begins, this important treatment is scarce for many Americans, particularly children. According to the CDC, almost 10% of American children have ADHD in 2019. These numbers could have increased due to the pandemic.
Many factors contribute to the limited supply of this drug, including its schedule II classification, defined by the DEA as “drugs that have a high abuse potential, and whose use could lead to severe physical or psychological dependence.” Supply may also affected by labour shortages, issues with the supply chain, and the increase in people prescribed the drug over the past few years.
ABC News reported that “while stopping Adderall generally is not life-threatening”, rebound symptoms. Such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity may return. These can be very distressing,” said Dr Anish DUBBE from the American Psychiatric Association.
Law enforcement officials and doctors warn people not to buy Adderall from anyone other than a pharmacy. These pills could be fake or laced with lethal substances. The DEA warns that counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl are often made to look like prescription stimulants. Such as amphetamines like Adderall but can be deadly.
Call your pharmacist or doctor if you need help getting your medication.
Dube said that those with severe symptoms must discuss with their psychiatrists how to manage symptoms without medication.
Spires in Kentucky said that a “classroom full of kids. Who had to stop their medications cold turkey due to the fact they couldn’t afford them” was causing problems. It’s not only kids. Adults are also affect. “But for us, our goal is to help children. Who aren’t getting what they need or don’t come into the classroom ready to learn. This creates a stressful atmosphere for everyone.”
The FDA announced they will “continue to utilize all of the tools available to us to keep supplies available for patients.”
