The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed this week that there is a nationwide shortage of Adderall, a drug used to address ADHD.
The report confirmed claims by Adderall manufacturers and pharmacists in recent weeks regarding delays in availability.
“DEA (says) there is no plan to raise manufacturing limits on ADHD medications next year. The agency cited concerns over young adults abusing the drugs.”
Again, #DEAth goes too far to prevent a few from abusing & disregards pts who need it.#cpp https://t.co/AurkWSXWdd
— Danny (@Dano1330) October 15, 2022
The concern
“The largest Adderall manufacturer in the U.S., Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, Ltd., said last month that a labor shortage from earlier in the year caused production disruptions, but the company expected any shortages at the retail level to be worked out in a matter of weeks,” Fox Business reported.
“But since then, the shortages have spread to other drug companies that manufacture generic versions of the treatment as desperate patients seek alternatives, and there are signs that the situation could worsen further,” it added.
The FDA confirmed a shortage of the medication commonly referred to by the brand name Adderall.https://t.co/59QSrVR8qD
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 14, 2022
The impact
“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,” USA Today reported.
“Health officials urged people to work with their health care providers on options for obtaining the medication or alternatives,” it added.
The @US_FDA has confirmed a nationwide shortage of Adderall observed by many individuals who’ve gone weeks without the drug, a tightly regulated stimulant medication used to treat #ADHD. https://t.co/EgNCtkMq2t
— Global Health NOW (@ghn_news) October 15, 2022
Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy, impacting millions of Americans.
The shortage of the drug adds to a growing number of supply chain issues under the Biden administration.
The problems continue to pile up in a variety of areas as Democrats face major headaches in their effort to remain in power after the November midterms.