Vyvanse Shortage Looms as Adderall Shortage Continues
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Supplies of ADHD Drug Vyvanse Dwindle as Adderall Shortage Continues

Manufacturing delays combined with increased demand for the Adderall alternative could lead to supply issues through the fall.
Supplies of ADHD Drug Vyvanse Dwindle as Adderall Shortage Continues
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The ADHD medication Vyvanse is facing impending supply issues due to manufacturing delays and increased demand, according to its manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals.

In a statement on the Vyvanse website, Takeda said the delays will impact 40 milligram (mg), 60 mg, and 70 mg Vyvanse tablets. The 40 mg tablets are in short supply now, but will likely be replenished in a few weeks, according to the statement. The company expects supplies of the 60 mg and 70 mg tablets to dip beginning in late June or early July, and said the shortage could last through September.

The pharmacy chains impacted include Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.

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A representative from Takeda attributes increased demand for Vyvanse to shortages of other ADHD medications, including Adderall. This impacted the wholesalers and distributors, who usually have an extra supply on hand in case of such a shortage.

The FDA first announced the ongoing Adderall shortage in October 2022. Manufacturing delays at Teva Pharmaceuticals, one of the producers of amphetamine mixed salts (the active ingredient in Adderall), have forced patients to look for alternatives to the drug. One alternative has been Vyvanse, which does not contain amphetamine mixed salts.

In its statement, Takeda advised contacting your healthcare provider if you need an alternative to Vyvanse.

Jean-Brannum-bio

Jean Brannum

Author
Jean Brannum is the 2023 Everyday Health summer intern. She is also currently a master's candidate at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

Before moving to New York City, Jean lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and attended NC State University, where she majored in biology. Although she originally wanted to pursue research, working at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences helped her discover a passion for explaining science to others. She then pivoted to pursue scientific journalism.

Jean runs a blog that covers vector-borne diseases and bacterial infections. She also is the creator of the YouTube series Chemistry of Cooking, which explores the chemical and microbial processes behind food production.

Jean's work has appeared in the New York City–based Mott Haven Herald and the Hunts Point Express.