US health officials confirm shortage of Adderall, medication often used for ADHD, narcolepsy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed a shortage of the medication commonly referred to by the brand name Adderall.
“FDA is in frequent communication with all manufacturers of amphetamine mixed salts, and one of those companies, Teva, is experiencing ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays,” the FDA said in a statement on Wednesday. “Other manufacturers continue to produce amphetamine mixed salts, but there is not sufficient supply to continue to meet U.S. market demand through those producers.”
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. in a statement to USA TODAY said it has "active supply of both branded Adderall and its generic version and continues to produce and refill the channel regularly at levels above historical demand."
"It is possible that some people may encounter a backorder (intermittently) based on timing and demand, but these are only temporary," the company added in an emailed statement, adding that it expects "inventory recovery in the coming months."
Amphetamine mixed salts, including Adderall, are approved by the FDA for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The FDA noted that, while the shortage is addressed, there are some possible alternatives for people who need the medication, such as extended-release versions of amphetamine mixed salts.
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Health officials also said in the Wednesday statement they will “assist manufacturers with anything needed to resolve the shortage.”
Recent problems with Adderall supply started with a labor shortage in August at Teva, and other companies have also experienced limited supplies of the generic drug.
A survey from the National Community Pharmacists Association conducted earlier this year found that roughly 80% of community pharmacists reported supply shortages, with about 64% reporting “difficulty obtaining Adderall.” The survey was based on 358 responses from pharmacy owners and managers.
Health officials urged people to work with their health care providers on options for obtaining the medication or alternatives.
Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adderall shortage 2022: FDA confirms delays for ADHD, narcolepsy drug
