FDA Warns Consumers About Counterfeit Adderall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release yesterday to warn consumers and health care professionals about a counterfeit version of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ Adderall 30 mg tablets that is being sold on the Internet. The FDA’s preliminary laboratory tests revealed that the counterfeit tablets contained tramadol and acetaminophen, rather than Adderall's four active ingredients, which are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate.

Currently on the FDA’s drug shortage list, Adderall is in short supply due to active pharmaceutical ingredient supply issues. Teva continues to release product as it becomes available. "Consumers should be extra cautious when buying their medicines from online sources," warned the FDA. "Rogue websites and distributors may especially target medicines in short supply for counterfeiting." The  press release, which can be viewed here, includes photos of the counterfeit and authentic products for comparison. The FDA encouraged consumers who believe they have received counterfeit Adderall to contact their Office of Criminal Investigations.

The shortage of drugs used to treat ADHD may have multiple etiologies. Read more about it in Psychiatric News, here.

(Image: FDA)