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The ongoing shortage of Adderall and its generics has significantly impacted ADHD medication prescribing patterns. This article examines the shifts in prescription fills for various ADHD medications, including the recently approved generic for Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and highlights the persistent supply challenges affecting patient access to treatment.
Key Points:
- Amphetamine salt combo medications (eg, Adderall) saw a decrease in prescription fill share following the shortage announcement in October 2022.
- Other ADHD medications, particularly lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), experienced an increase in fill share, rising from 13% to 17% of all ADHD prescription fills.
- The FDA approved lisdexamfetamine, a generic version of Vyvanse, in August 2023, but it quickly fell into shortage by early 2024.
- Despite the shortage, lisdexamfetamine fills have shown a slight uptick recently, with some manufacturers reporting limited supply availability.
- Brand-name Vyvanse retains the majority of market share due to better availability, despite its higher cost ($495 vs. $313 per 30-day supply for the generic).
- The DEA has increased medication quotas for 2024 in an attempt to address ongoing shortages.
- Patients continue to face challenges in accessing their preferred ADHD medications, often resorting to rationing or seeking alternatives.
The percentage of children and adults receiving prescriptions for stimulants to treat ADHD increased from 2016–2021, particularly during 2020–2021. (MMWR)
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