FDA warns of fake version of ADHD drug Adderall

Updated:

HealthMore>>
Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction
Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction
Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >>
Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >>
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >>
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >>
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >>
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >>
American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress
American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >>
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >>
Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters
Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >>
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >>
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Americans still making unhealthy choices
Americans still making unhealthy choices
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>

WEDNESDAY, May 30 (HealthDay News) -- A counterfeit version of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall, sold online, contains the wrong active ingredients, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy. The drug, made by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, is currently in short supply in the United States.

The counterfeit versions of Adderall are ineffective and potentially harmful, the FDA warned Tuesday.

Authentic Adderall contains four active ingredients: dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Preliminary laboratory tests by the FDA found that the counterfeit version being sold as Adderall 30-milligram (mg) tablets contains tramadol and acetaminophen, ingredients in medicines used to treat acute pain.

Genuine Adderall 30-mg tablets are round, orange/peach in color, and have "dp" embossed on one side and "30" on the other side. The tablets are packaged only in a 100-count bottle with the National Drug Code (NDC) 0555-0768-02, the agency said.

In contrast, the counterfeit tablets are round, white and do not have any type of letters or numbers, the FDA said. Fake tablets may also come in blister packages and have spelling mistakes on the packaging, such as:

"NDS" instead of "NDC"
"Aspartrte" instead of "Aspartate"
"Singel" instead of "Single."

Consumers who believe they have the counterfeit version of 30-mg Adderall tablets should not use them and should talk to their health care professional about their treatment options, the FDA said.

Adderall is currently in short supply because Teva is having difficulty obtaining all of the active ingredients used in the drug. Consumers need to be extra cautious when buying medicines online and remember that drugs in short supply are often targets for counterfeiting, the FDA said.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers a consumer safety guide for buying prescription medicines online.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

ABC6 ExtraMore>>
Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest
Click here to get 1/2 off gift certificates!More >>
Get Half-Priced Gift Certificates!More >>
Contests
Contests
Click here to see our ABC6 Contests page!More >>
Click here to see our ABC6 Contests page!More >>
Lottery
Lottery
Is today your lucky day? Click here to get the daily numbers.More >>
Horoscopes
Horoscopes
Daily horoscopes for life, love, work and more!More >>
Green Living
Green Living
Find latest environmental news, tips and information for staying green.More >>
Pets
Pets
Learn more tips for caring for, grooming and training your favorite pet.More >>

FDA warns of fake version of ADHD drug Adderall - ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, Weather

FDA warns of fake version of ADHD drug Adderall

Video Gallery

HealthMore>>

ABC6 ExtraMore>>