FDA warns consumers, healthcare professionals about fake Adderall

SILVER SPRING, Md. — A counterfeit version of a Teva Pharmaceutical Industries attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy drug is circulating online, regulators warned Tuesday.



The Food and Drug Administration issued a statement warning consumers and healthcare professionals that a fake versions of Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) tablets in the 30-mg strength are being sold on the Internet.



The agency said the drug contained the wrong active ingredients, errors on the packaging and pills that are the wrong color. The counterfeit pills, which an FDA lab test found to contain the painkillers acetaminophen and tramadol, are white, while genuine Adderall pills are an orange-peach color.



Genuine Adderall is currently in short supply due to pharmaceutical ingredient supply problems, though Teva is continuing to release the drug as it becomes available, the FDA said. The agency warned that consumers should be "extra cautious" when buying medicines from online sources, as rogue websites and distributors tend to target medicines in short supply.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly DSN Collaborative Care e-newsletter.