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SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned this week of fake versions of the ADHD medication Adderall that are being distributed online.
The counterfeit drugs were brought to the attention of the FDA by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the makers of Adderall. The fake versions of the 30 mg. tablets are being sold online through rogue websites and distributors that are not easily controlled by regulatory agencies.
The drug may be the target of counterfeiting schemes due to its current shortage, according to the FDA. Consumers are more often turning to online distributors to get medication, but they are urged to be cautious in where they choose to purchase medication. Reputable websites require prescription verification and are licensed by state pharmacological boards.
- The product comes in a blister package.
- There are misspellings on the package.
- "NDS" instead of "NDC"
- "Aspartrte" instead of "Aspartate"
- "Singel" instead of "Single"
- The tablets are white in color, round in shape, and are smooth.
- The tablets have no markings on them.
Consumers who do choose to go through an online distribution site should watch out for signs of the counterfeit Adderall, according to FDA spokeswoman Shelly Burgess.
"The counterfeit versions of Adderall should be considered as unsafe, ineffective and potentially harmful," she said.
Those concerned about products ordered online are urged to speak with a health care professional and report the counterfeit drugs to the FDA.
Authentic Adderall 30 mg. tablets are round, peach in color and embossed with "dp" on one side and "30" on the other. They are packaged in a 100-count bottle, as opposed to the blister package in which many of the fake versions are found.
