The Adderall shortage currently taking place in the U.S is spurring counterfeiters to peddle fake versions of the drug and t

he FDA is warning consumers to beware.

Adderall, a popular stimulant whose active ingredients include mixed amphetamine salts, has been in short supply for the last year due to, “active pharmaceutical ingredient supply issues,” according to the FDA. This is because the DEA tightly regulates how much of the drug’s active ingredient can be distributed each year to prevent it from being abused.

Teva, the pharmaceutical company that makes Adderall, found out about the counterfeits after a consumer called to report misspellings on the packaging.

The FDA is warning consumers to be careful when purchasing their medications online. The fake pill includes the potentially habit-forming tramadol, instead of Adderall’s real active ingredients.

There are ways to spot counterfeit Adderall including:

• Misspellings on the packaging
• White, unmarked pills
• Foil packaging, instead of the bottles that Teva uses

Teva’s real version of the pill is orange or peach-colored, and embossed with “dp” on one side and “30” on the other.

The FDA is currently investigating the websites.

Common Adderall Uses

Adderall is a combination of the stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is commonly prescribed as part of a total treatment program to control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For many patients, Aderall increases their ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control behavior problems.

Aderall is believed to work by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. The drug may also be used to treat certain sleeping disorders (narcolepsy).

Often referred to as smart pills or brain steroids, the drug is commonly misused by those seeking to gain a competitive advantage or to get ahead.

Charged with prescription drug fraud of abuse? The South Carolina prescription drug possession attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC offer a free consultation. 803.252.4800