Over half of community pharmacies have reported trouble purchasing Adderall, a popular drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and its generic versions in the last month, according to a new survey.
The National Community Pharmacists Association found that 64% of the 358 pharmacy owners and managers surveyed between July 25 and Aug. 5 have experienced shortages of Adderall on back order.
WHY PHARMACIES, NOT JUST DRUGMAKERS, ARE IN LEGAL TROUBLE OVER OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Overall, 79% reported that their pharmacies were affected by supply chain disruptions.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the largest U.S. seller of Adderall, said earlier this month that it was experiencing supply disruptions.
A spokesman for Teva, Yonatan Beker, told Bloomberg that the issues were “associated with packaging capacity constraints” and that disruptions could last through the fall.
Reports of disruptions come as demand for the drug rises with diagnoses for ADHD steadily climbing. The number of children aged 4 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD increased 42% between 2003 and 2011, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It is considered one of the most common childhood disorders.
The Food and Drug Administration, which tracks drug supplies, has not reported any current shortages of brand and generic Adderall. A previous supply disruption was observed between September 2019 and May 2022.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The prescription drug was first approved by the FDA in 1996 and is used as a stimulant to improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors.
