FDA warns consumers of counterfeit Internet sales of Adderall

FDA has warned consumers and healthcare professionals that counterfeit versions of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ Adderall 30-mg tablets are being sold on the Internet.

Adderall is made by Shire Pharmaceuticals and is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is classified as a controlled substance.

FDA’s preliminary laboratory tests revealed that the counterfeit version of Teva’s Adderall 30-mg tablets contained the wrong active ingredients. Adderall contains 4 active ingredients: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Instead of these active ingredients, the counterfeit product contained tramadol and acetaminophen, which are ingredients in medicines used to treat acute pain.

The counterfeit Adderall tablets are round and white and do not have any type of markings, such as letters or numbers. Authentic Adderall 30-mg tablets produced by Teva are round and orange/peach, and scored tablets with "dp" embossed on 1 side and "30" on the other side of the tablet.

Adderall is currently on 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.

According to FDA, “Rogue websites and distributors may especially target medicines in short supply for counterfeiting.”

FDA recommends that anyone who believes they have the counterfeit version of Teva’s Adderall 30-mg tablets should not take or should stop taking the product. Consumers should talk to their healthcare professional about their condition and options for treatment.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report online here.

• Download a form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the FDA Press Release, here.