ADHD medication recalls: Find out if your medication has been recalled and what to do next

You’ve probably heard about different medication recalls on the news or read about them online. 

“Medication recalls frequently happen,” said Brian Laird, PharmD, MBA, pharmacy operations manager at OSF HealthCare in Urbana, Illinois. “ADHD medications are no exception.”

How can you tell if your ADHD medication has been recalled? The best way is to search the FDA’s drug enforcement database. You can look at the weekly enforcement reports or use the advanced search tool to type in your medication name and search by date. 

But this can get complicated. So to help, we’re tracking all the ADHD medication recalls for you.

Below are the most recent ADHD medication recalls. If your medication was recalled, keep reading to learn what to do next.

On October 28, the FDA recalled several types of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules (generic Vyvanse). The medication was made by OHM Laboratories and distributed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. 

Sun Pharma issued a voluntary recall because the medication failed to dissolve properly. That could end up making it less effective. The FDA labeled it a Class II recall. Class II recalls mean the medication may cause temporary health consequences for some people, but it’s generally safe to keep taking.

Check your medication bottle for the following lot numbers and expiration dates. Capsule sizes ⁠10 mg⁠–⁠70 mg were recalled.

Granules Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary recall on August 28 for several types of generic extended-release Adderall. 

The generic medication name is: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, dextroamphetamine sulfate and amphetamine sulfate, extended-release capsules, (mixed salts of a single entity amphetamine product).

The medication was recalled because it had too many impurities, which are chemicals that aren’t supposed to be in the medication. The FDA issued a Class III recall, meaning there’s little chance the medication will hurt people.

Look for the following lot numbers and expiration dates on your medication bottles. Capsule sizes 5 mg⁠–⁠30 mg were included in the recall.

On August 11, Lannett Company issued a voluntary recall for 40 mg lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (generic Vyvanse) capsules. The medication was recalled because a labeling mixup put 30 mg pills in 40 mg bottles. 

The FDA issued a class II warning, meaning there’s a low risk of harm to people taking the recalled medication. You’ll just be getting a lower dose of your medication. 

Look for the following lot number and expiration date on your pill bottle.

Double check the lot number and expiration date on your pill bottle to confirm whether your medication has been recalled. If your medication has been recalled, don’t suddenly stop taking it.

“People should not stop taking any recalled medication without doctor, pharmacist, or manufacturer recommendation,” Laird said. Stopping your medication can cause your symptoms to come back or can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

What to do next if your medication is recalled will depend on how serious the recall is. The FDA classifies recalls in three categories, each with different instructions. 

Class I recalls are the most serious. It means that taking the medication may cause significant harm. In these cases, the manufacturer will usually provide instructions on what to do with your medication through a press release. They will often take the medication off the market completely. You could also hear directly from your pharmacist.

“In more serious Class I recalls, pharmacies may contact the affected patients directly,” Laird said. “The pharmacy will often take the medication … back.” 

Class II recalls involve issues that may cause temporary or minor health consequences. They may also cause health issues for some people but not everyone, such as if an allergen gets in the medication. 

The FDA says it’s generally safe to keep taking your medication if it’s a Class II recall, unless the manufacturer or a pharmacist tells you otherwise. 

“These types of recalls should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before stopping the medication,” Laird said. 

You may still be able to take your medication back to the pharmacy for a Class II recall.

A Class III medication recall is a minor issue that doesn’t usually impact the quality of your medication directly. “Think of a typo on the label provided by the manufacturer,” Laird said.

A Class III recall means the FDA considers it unlikely that taking the medication will cause any health issues. You “can use this medication without concern,” Laird said.

No matter what class the recall is, contact your pharmacy if you have questions or if you’re uncomfortable about taking a recalled medication. They can provide specific instructions on what to do next, Laird said. You can also reach out to your doctor for advice on what to do.

Some types of ADHD medications are controlled substances. Stimulants for ADHD, which include medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse, are Schedule II controlled substances. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) considers these medications at high risk for misuse. Other types of medications for ADHD — like clonidine or atomoxetine — are not stimulants and are not controlled substances.

Yes, there is currently a shortage of most types of ADHD medications, including Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, and Vyvanse. Shortages started in 2022 and have continued since then.

The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. These are controlled substances regulated by the DEA. Doctors and pharmacies have to follow special rules when you’re prescribed these medications. That can make them harder to get.

You may also be having a hard time getting your ADHD medication because stimulants have been in shortage since 2022. For some medications, there just isn’t enough available to meet demand. So you may find it hard to get your prescription filled. 

Yes, ADHD medication is considered safe for children and adults. In fact, medication is considered a first-choice treatment option for ADHD alongside behavioral therapy.

However, medications for ADHD like Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse are stimulants that pose a risk of addiction in some people. This is more common if the medication is not taken as prescribed.

Discuss your concerns about ADHD medication with your health care provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of taking ADHD medication.

ADHD medications are sometimes recalled. Recently, the FDA recalled some generic Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) and generic Adderall (amphetamine salts) capsules. This was because of issues like poor dissolution, labeling errors, and impurities. These were classified as Class II or III recalls. That means there’s a low risk to patients. 

Experts say that you should check lot numbers and expiration dates on medication bottles. But don’t stop taking the medication unless a doctor or pharmacist has told you to stop. 

The FDA has an online database where you can look up recalls. If your medication is recalled, your pharmacy may contact you in severe cases. Recalled medications can often be returned to the pharmacy. For lower-risk medication recalls, it’s generally safe to keep taking them. But talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns.

Thumbnail image credit: Lock Stock via Getty Images.