FDA Announces Adderall Shortage

While pharmacies were already reporting Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) shortages this summer, the FDA officially posted a drug shortage notice on October 12.

“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 the notice. “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.”

Adderall treats both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

“Until supply is restored, there are alternative therapies including the extended-release version of amphetamine mixed salts available to healthcare professionals and their patients for amphetamine mixed salts’ approved indications,” the FDA said. "Patients should work with their healthcare professionals to determine their best treatment option.”

Formulary Watchfirst reported on the Adderall shortage in early September. At the time, the FDA indicated that there was no official shortage of Adderall, but pharmacies said they did not have enough supply.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) reported shortages of several dosage sizes from several manufacturers. Amneal, Teva, Sandoz and Rhodes, which produce the generic version of Adderall, reported supply issues to the University of Utah Drug Information Service, which supplies data to the ASHP’s drug shortages website.

In addition, a recent National Community Pharmacists Association survey found 64% of independent pharmacies were having challenges obtaining Adderall.

The FDA’s Adderall drug shortages web site lists the availability and unavailability of every presentation of the drug from each manufacturer. For example, Teva has many dosages available, but some sizes — including 12.5 mg and 15 mg 100 count — are on back order until March 2023.