The nationwide shortage of Adderall isn’t going away any time soon.
On Wednesday, the most prolific generic producer of the drug, Teva, reported to the FDA that it expects the supply problems to last through March—a significant increase on the two- to three-month projection the company warned of just last week.
The FDA confirmed the shortage of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy treatment with a website posting.
“Teva is experiencing ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays,” the FDA wrote. “Other manufacturers continue to produce amphetamine mixed salts but there is not sufficient supply to continue to meet U.S. market demand through these producers.”
Until the shortage is relieved, an extended-release version of Adderall is an alternative for patients, pending approval by a doctor, the FDA said.
Teva did not respond immediately to a request for more information.
Last year, Teva generated generic Adderall revenues of $565 million, Bloomberg reports, citing data from Symphony Health. That's more than twice the amount sold by any other manufacturer of the drug.
Lannett, the second-most prolific seller of Adderall generics, reported shortages in September but those have since abated. All of its offerings of the drug are listed as available on the FDA site.
On backorder are Teva’s three most popular dosages of Adderall—the 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg tablets—all due for recovery in March. The same is true for pills in the 12.5 mg and 15 mg strength. Teva reports that all extended-release versions of Adderall are available, except for the 10 mg strength, which the company expects to have available later this month.
Last week, the Utah Pharmacy Services website, which tracks drug shortages throughout the U.S., showed that seven of the nine companies that produce Adderall and its generics have reported supply problems. Camber Pharmaceuticals and Sun Pharma recently joined the list.
With demand ever increasing for Adderall—fueled by increased awareness of its value—its supply has been an ongoing issue in the U.S. since 2019. Finding ways to relieve shortages has been difficult considering the tight restrictions that authorities place on the medicine. Adderall is classified as Schedule 2 drug because of its potential to be abused.
The most recent nationwide shortage began in August, when Teva reported a labor shortage which was quickly resolved but created a ripple effect with other suppliers.