ADHD Drug Vyvanse Production Increased to Address Shortage
For years, ADHD drugs have been experiencing shortages, making it difficult for patients to access the medication they need. Recently, the Drug Enforcement Administration took a notable step to combat this problem by increasing the production limit for Vyvanse and its generic versions.
According to a notice posted this week, the DEA made this decision after a request from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July. The move comes as a response to the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications, including Vyvanse.
The increased production limit amounts to about a 24% increase, as reported by Reuters. This adjustment aims to ensure an adequate and uninterrupted supply of lisdexamfetamine, also known as Vyvanse, to meet the needs of patients both in the United States and globally.
The shortage of ADHD drugs first became evident in October 2022 when the FDA announced a shortage of Adderall, leading to subsequent shortages of Vyvanse. Vyvanse, classified as a schedule II controlled substance, has faced additional limitations due to its classification.
In response to the shortage, the DEA stated in its filing, “These adjustments are necessary to ensure that the United States has an adequate and uninterrupted supply of lisdexamfetamine to meet legitimate patient needs both domestically and globally.” Last year, the FDA approved generic versions of Vyvanse from 11 drugmakers after Takeda lost exclusivity over the drug.
With these developments, the hope is that the increased production of Vyvanse will help alleviate the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications and ensure that patients have access to the treatment they need.