As the U.S. patent for Vyvanse expired August 2023, the FDA cleared 14 manufacturers to produce Vyvanse generics. It might take several months for a significant number of consumers to access these Vyvanse generics.
At that point, we should have a better idea if these generics truly do “work the same as brand.” Then again, we might see these generics much sooner. More details below.
Remember, Vyvanse isn’t the only stimulant containing dextroamphetamine. Other choices include Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi, and ProCentra. [I have no business relationship with any pharmaceutical company.]
- Please share any first-hand experiences with the new Vyvanse generics in the comments below.
- When you do, please note which generic you received (it’s written on the bottle); there are at least 14!
- If you experience adverse effects, please consider filing a report through FDA’s Medwatch. “Adverse” can cover a range of differences between brand and generic. It needn’t be life-threatening.
First question in FDA Medwatch online reporting formI share this not to send Vyvanse users into a panic—just to be beware. We’ve seen ADHD-medication “goat rodeos” before, and it’s best to be prepared.
For example, since 2014, many brand Concerta users have been caught flat-footed—sometimes with serious repercussions. They learned they’d been switched to an inferior Concerta generic only weeks or months in—and often only after finding my reports.
Until then, many attributed increased symptoms to other causes—such as more stress or a school change. They didn’t think to question the medication, even though it looked different. Why? Because “generics are exactly the same as brand.” Or so they’d been told.
We Might See Positive Changes – Or More Confusion
Like Concerta, Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate) is a hugely popular medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). With this patent expiration, the flood of Vyvanse generics could significantly reshape the landscape of ADHD treatment. Then again, we might best describe this past year’s landscape of shortages and higher prices as “ravaged.” So, one knows what reshaping might mean.
We might see positive changes, such as more affordable medications. Or, we might face more confusion and less access to brands of any kind.
Concerta marked a major innovation in long-acting stimulant treatment. When Concerta generics turned out to be “not even close to the same”, many people suffered. Still are. That’s why I want to be proactive with these Vyvanse generics.
In this post, I’ll hit the highlights. Look for updates as I learn more.
A Quick Word About Generic Vs. Brand
Contrary to what some physicians and pharmacists tell us, generic is not always “exactly the same as brand.” This is especially true with medications using complex delivery systems. One prime example is Concerta’s patented osmotic capsule called OROS.
In 2014, “Big Generic” started exploiting FDA loopholes on generics for complex-delivery system drugs. Concerta generic manufacturers did not use OROS. Instead, they used more rudimentary means. As a result, no Concerta generic works in the same way that Concerta does.
The FDA downgraded the first three Concerta generics in 2016. But in 2017 a new White House administration and newly appointed FDA chief forced a dramatic reversal. This came over the objections of FDA scientists’ concerns about bio-equivalence.
Below, I’ll share a little conjecture about how “true” these Vyvanse true generics can be. For background: True generics are what we commonly understand as a generic. Authorized generic is what we call the brand medication that’s marketed/sold as a generic. As far as I can tell, we won’t see an authorized generic for Vyvanse.
[advertising; not endorsement] [advertising; not endorsement]
You’ll find several background posts on the generic vs. brand issue at the end of this post.
14 Vyvanse Generics Manufacturers Approved
The FDA chart of approved Vyvanse generics currently shows 14 companies with approved Vyvanse generics. Not every company, however, produces all the available dosages — 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg.
No timeline has been announced as to when consumers can access these Vyvanse generics.
To view the FDA chart (3 pages worth), click on this link and enter the search term “lisdex”: Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations
Here is the list of companies:
- Actavis
- Alkem
- Apotex
- Ascent Pharmaceuticals Inc
- Lannett
- Mylan
- Norwich
- Prinston
- Rhodes
- Specgzx (subsidiary of Mallinckrodt)
- Sun
- Amneal
- Hikma
- Teva
On August 31, Reuters reported that “drugmakers have begun shipping copycat versions of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s drug Vyvanse. Reuters typically has solid reportage so I’m surprised to see “copycat” instead of “generic.”
The article says that U.S.-based drugmakers Mallinckrodt and Viatris, UK-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Indian drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries confirmed last week that they began shipping their generic versions of the drug.
You can read more here: Generic drugmakers start shipping copies of Takeda’s ADHD drug Vyvanse
Vyvanse Delivery System Cause for Optimism?
Is Vyvanse’s delivery system as sophisticated and precise as Concerta’s OROS delivery system? I’m no pharmacologist but I don’t think so. This might be reason for optimism. A simpler delivery system would be easier to re-create in a generic. If that’s the case, it might up the odds of a Vyvanse generic working similarly to the brand.
In fact, I’ve heard that a Vyvanse generic might improve delivery. But for now, that’s only hearsay and….probably marketing.
An August 31, 2023 Everyday Health report on this topic (FDA Clears First Generics of ADHD Drug Vyvanse) quotes Jack Turban, MD, MHS. He is director of the Gender Psychiatry Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF):
It should be fairly straightforward for anyone already taking Vyvanse for ADHD to switch to generic versions of this drug because they work exactly the same way. [emphasis mine – GP] Some people taking other stimulants might also try generic Vyvanse, especially if this is the only thing they can get while their regular medicines are out of stock at their local pharmacy.
With all due respect, I wonder if Dr. Turban is familiar with the Concerta fiasco—and the fact that generics are not always “exactly the same as brand.” He is not an ADHD specialist. Rather, his specialty is pediatric gender identity and related public health issues. Honestly, UCSF has never been a hotbed of ADHD expertise. In fact, it’s long been the opposite.
The ADHD medical experts I contacted were unwilling to speculate on Vyvanse generics’ bio-equivalence.
Vyvanse is a “Prodrug”
Vyvanse’s marketing claim to fame is being the first “non-abusable” stimulant. (Not exactly true).
It’s called a “prodrug”. What that? Prodrugs are medications that become active only after entering the body and being converted by certain bodily chemicals or enzymes. Until that happens, the medication remains inactive. In other words, it does nothing. (Dr. Goat and I explain this in our 7-part series on gene-testing for ADHD medications. You’ll find the link to the specific post explaining Prodrugs below.)
In the case of Vyvanse, the stimulant medication (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and converted to dextroamphetamine. Only then does it become active—and ready to go to work. As a result, it is claimed, this design also makes it harder to crush, snort, or inject the drug for a quick high. Purportedly, this contributes to its reduced abuse potential.
Vyvanse Quick History
Shire Pharmaceuticals introduced Vyvanse to the market in 2007. This new, long-acting amphetamine-class stimulant, along with fiercely aggressive marketing, contributed massively to Shire’s profits for years.
In 2014 alone, Shire’s top-selling drug brought in about $1.5 billion in sales. When the company succeeded in getting Vyvanse FDA-approved as a medication to treat binge-eating, the CEO estimated that alone would contribute an additional $200-300 million Vyvanse annual sales.
Japan-based Takeda acquired Vyvanse from Shire in 2019. Even before that, though, Shire took legal actions to prevent competitors from entering the market until the Vyvanse patent expired in 2023. In the U.S., Vyvanse generated substantial revenue for Takeda—to the tune of $2.53 billion in 2022, showing impressive growth over the previous year.
For more info, see Fierce Pharma’s report: The top 10 drugs losing US exclusivity in 2023
European Patents Expire Later
In Europe, Vyvanse is mostly called Elvanse. European patents were set to expire in the summer of 2024. Vyvanse manufacturer Takeda, however, extended its patent protection in certain countries until February 2028 and March 2029, according to Takeda’s latest annual report.
Vyvanse Maker Takeda’s Frequently Asked Questions
For more information from Takeda, manufacturer of Vyvanse, check out their Frequently Asked Questions
Selected Posts on ADHD Generic Medications
These posts from the ADHD Roller Coaster archives shed light on various aspects of this topic.
Are you concerned about the changes to come? Do you know what your other options might be?
I strongly encourage anyone making decisions about ADHD medications to get educated.
The hard truth is, we cannot rely on the average prescriber—or sometimes even the specialists. Now more than ever.
You’ll find this and more in Course 2 of Solving Your Adult ADHD Puzzle: Physical Strategies
I welcome your comments!
—Gina Pera
48 thoughts on “Vyvanse Generics On the Way”
Hey there,
Just contributing to the brain trust, and looking for other folks’ experiences with the multiple manufacturers out there. I’ve been taking the name brand Vyvanse for ~10yrs now, and have been very happy with it.
I received my generic dose (70mg) from Solco Health, which is a subsidiary of Prinston. Wasn’t happy with it. Specifically:
1. Longer activation time: When I take the name-brand at 6am, I’m usually going at 7:30 or 8. With the Prinston generic, it honestly felt closer to 9:30 or 10am.
2. Shorter duration: Name brand usually feels like it lasts until ~7pm. With the Prinston generic, felt like it came down at around 5pm, and it came down HARD. Felt a lot more wiped out at the end of the day.
3. Less Effective during the day: During the day, feels like I have some brain-fog going on. Don’t feel ‘clear.’ Some ADHD mental paralysis. It’s probably manageable, but it’s not something I’d want to get used to. Also felt a bit, like, light-headed almost? Felt like I had to lie down a few times during the week.
I know medications don’t always impact folks the same way, but I’d really like to get a sense of which manufacturers folks have found success with, especially since it sounds like the name-brand has basically stopped production. Will also talk with my doc – I think they’re pretty understanding. Maybe we’ll be able to do something like a sampler at a bar lol
A sampler bar! “Flights” of stimulants. lol
Given that the public (and many in the medical field) already view ADHD medications that way, why not! Could be a lot more efficient!
I truly believe this is part of the strategy. Big Generic learned its lesson with the first three Concerta generics. We were able to get critical mass with FDA MedWatch complaints and they were degraded as non-bioequivalent.
A few years later, at least 14 Concerta (junk) generics emerge.
Vyvanse generics started with 14 (at least). We will need HUGE numbers of reports to start having an impact.
This is all evil.
Thanks for contributing to the brain trust.
g
As a former Concerta refugee, I’m kinda forced to agree.
I’m realizing that I might have said something incorrect in my last post; I was under the impression that Takeda had halted production of the name-brand (someone at my doctor’s office had informed me of that). I’m looking at Takeda’s site, and it looks like they’re stating that they will continue to manufacture the name-brand (https://assets.takeda.com/content/dam/takeda/imported/nonproduct/pdfs/loe-faq.pdf).
Obviously, the shortage is still the big issue here (not to mention insurance and all that fun stuff), and the only real way to really fix the problem is to call out the other manufacturers until they get into gear. But I’m curious – you haven’t heard of anything pointing to Takeda discontinuing production at this juncture, have you?
Hi Frank,
No, I’ve not heard anything about Takeda’s plans. Maybe they forgot to tell me, though. 🙂
Honestly, the consumer seems the last to know these days.
It might not be profitable anymore, with Big Generics pushing the prices down (except it doesn’t seem commensurate with what consumers are paying).
The push as Vyvanse went off-patent has been toward Intuniv.
But the patent remains active in certain countries. Including Japan.
g
Oh, and thanks for that FAQ. I’ll add to the post. Very helpful.
g
Went to the pharmacy to get a refill of 40mg Vyvanse and was told it would be “new generic.” It has been over a week. And this medication just isn’t effective. Symptoms were completely managed on brand. Now:
Less effective at maintaining executive function throughout day
Having more intrusive thoughts/distractions throughout day
Limited benefits lasting only until 3pm (vs. full benefits until 6 pm)
Increased irritability and anxiety as wears off
Dramatic increase in evening hunger
My spouse commented the other night that my mood and concentration ability are very different than before.
So frustrating.
Sorry to hear that, David. Thanks for noting your experience.
Please consider filing an FDA MedWAtch complaint. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1
tx
g
I have a question, I have not been able to get my Vyvanse for three weeks. It doesn’t seem safe to me to have to stop taking the medication abruptly and then when the magical med delivery fairies deem us worthy of medication, to abruptly start at the same dose we used to take.
I am curious if those who have had unfavorable results are having any improvement after their bodies get used to the dose.
Hi Ivan,
Good question.
But first, maybe you didn’t have to go three weeks without medication. There are other options.
Still, I understand reluctance to switch, especially when the Vyvanse might have been due in any day.
As to your question, others might weigh in. But I can tell you, after 3 weeks, it can be a very good idea to start at a lower dosage and gradually work your way up.
These medications have lots of up- and downstream effects, and it can be real jolt to physiology to start at the higher dose.
I hope this helps.
Gina
My Vyvanse 50mg was filled as generic by my pharmacy a little more than a week ago & it’s been a disaster. It’s as if I’ve taken no medication at all since starting the generic. My sleep pattern is awful, something I’ve never had a problem with. Constant headaches that are not relieved by otc meds. Spacing out at work again which is not good! I’m also on Vyvanse for BED & my eating is out of control again since switching to generic. It’s literally as if I’m not taking anything at all! 🙁
ARGH.
Thanks for reporting in, Cass.
g
This is exactly my experience. 40mg Vyvanse. Generic is doing almost nothing . Symptoms were completely managed before.
Cass, I am having the exact same experience you are with the generic. Just finished my first fill of it – feels like I’m back on nothing again.
I’ll have to check the brand when I get home, but I am not doing well. I’ve stayed at 30mg. Vyvanse was a life changer and every day I’ve taken the generic I’ve had a headache and my ADHD paralysis is back. I am in my university library right now and can’t bring myself to start my work only six hours after taking my meds, and I never experienced this within ten hours of taking Vyvanse unless I was unwell for other reasons. I’m honestly really scared, because I don’t think my insurance will let me go back to name brand.
Dear Clea,
I’m horrified that this is happening to you. It’s not right. I had hoped that Vyvanse’s simpler delivery system meant the generics wouldn’t be the catastrophe that Concerta’s has been.
It’s understandable that you’re fearful. I would be, too. But know that there are probably a few options before pushing the panic button.
First, before you do anything else, write down the details since you started the generic — what’s different compared to the brand.
e.g. When did the headaches begin? How long do they last? What does “ADHD paralysis” mean, specifically (for those who don’t know)…with examples. Note everything.
Second, contact your insurance company to get the facts on Vyvanse brand — can you still get it, what is the cost? Or will you have to jump through some hoops? Which brand stimulants CAN you get?
Sometimes you have to try another similar medication. Sometimes two. If neither provides reasonable treatment, then you can appeal to get the brand.
You can also try one of the other dexedrine products. …. e.g. Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi, and ProCentra
good luck
Gina
Hi,
I have just started taking the Generic Vyvanse 50 mg by SPECGX LLC.
I’m about 10 days in and I’m finding myself jumping all around with my thought process and feeling depressed not wanting to accomplish anything and increased appetite. Just not a good feeling. I felt so good while taking the non generic version of Vyvanse. I am going to have to speak to my health provider about my new symptoms.
Thanks, William. Good luck.
I hope your physician is one who understands that no generic is “exactly the same as brand” — and that when it comes to ADHD and sustained-release stimulants, that really matters.
g
I would *like* to be able to comment on my experience with brand name vs generic but as of today, 9/20, no pharmacy in my area (Kansas City metro) has it yet. I realize we’re one of the flyover states but this is ridiculous. I’ve been out since the pharmacies ran out of brand name Vyvanse mid-August when Takeda through its temper tantrum as if they haven’t made enough money on their exclusivity deal. The fact that these shenanigans have been tolerated for over a year is simply unacceptable. I encourage all who are fed up with this entire situation to write to their congressional representatives. I’m not holding my breath for change in the short term but surely if they hear from enough constituents they’ll FIX IT.
Hi Michelle,
You’re right. This is unacceptable.
Unfortunately, any politician who puts their head on the block for ADHD ….. will have it chopped off.
The stigmatization, the anti-science propaganda….it’s had an effect.
If this were any other condition……
Maybe you want to check out the other dex choices.
best,
g
I started taking the generic brand vyvanse 4 days ago. The side effects were not favorable for me. I noticed that I didn’t feel it when I typically do in my day. And when I did it wasn’t as effective. I also felt jittery with lack of focus. I notice that this gives me a terrible headache on the come down. But also, I can’t sleep well at all with this drug.
Should I call my doctor and tell them this isn’t for me?
First of all thank you for providing this resource for people like us who rely on these drugs to function in our everyday lives.
Hi Sarah,
I’m glad you found my blog. This issue is important!
Can you tell us WHICH generic it is? There are 12. Look for the manufacturer name on the bottle.
Please consider filing an FDA MedWatch complaint: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1
Does your insurance not allow brand, or is it unaffordable? You might want to be sure about that before calling your doctor.
But yes, if I were you, I wouldn’t continue with a medication I knew wasn’t working as it should.
The real danger in continuing is losing track of the difference and at some point being lulled into thinking “it’s working.”
There are other dextroamphetamine choices, mentioned in the article. Or maybe you could try another Vyvanse generic, if available.
good luck to you
Gina
I took 70 mg Vyvanse for 15 years, no problems with it at all (very helpful since I was on a few other meds for 10 years prior to it with ineffective results).
A month ago I had to do the 40/30 split, it said Vyvanse on the bottle but they were S489 (whatever that is). After a few days it became obvious to me that they were not effective. Of course this was compounded by the fact that this happened right as school was starting (I am a teacher). I explained the situation to the doctor and she prescribed the regular Vyvanse at my local pharmacy.
The other day I pick up the new meds, and the bottle has a different name on it (Mylan). I try it today, and it is crap. I am having withdrawl from it after 6-7 hours (the old meds were ones where I took it first thing in the morning and was fine all day long). I can only imagine what it will be like 2-3 weeks from now.
When and where can I get the old brand back? It worked for years for many people, changing this kind of drug for people who depend on it is borderline criminal.
Hi there
That stinks. Just as you’re starting the school year.
But you say it says S489. My understanding is that IS the brand. Do the pills look like this?
https://www.drugs.com/imprints/s489-30-mg-15663.html
But I’m not sure what you mean about the “40/30 split”. Could whatever that is….be what’s making the difference?
Yes, I think it IS criminal. And the criminal behind it has been charged, but not for that particular crime, unfortunately.
Most Americans have no clue. It seems I’m the only one informing about it, in fact.
Best
g
They did look like that. I dunno if I was taking them wrong or not (I just took them at the same time, should I have just found a way to mix them together?) I was on the 70 mg pills for 15 years with no problems, so maybe even the slight change was enough to mess me up I dont know. So far today was worse than yesterday. I hate this.
When is the old brand coming back?
Chris — if that’s what you have, you have the brand.
By 40/30 split, I think you mean you started taking a 40 mg and a 30 mg Vyvanse when you could no longer get the 70mg. Right?
If so, that could be making a difference.
I cannot easily right now obtain the release profile for Vyvanse. Typically, these sustained released Rx will have a coating that is released immediately. If so, that could be changing how much is released soon after taking it.
g
That is correct it was the 40 mg and the 30 mg. I took them both at same time but it didnt work well at all. I dunno if I was supposed to break up both and just consume it that way (I have a 40 and a 30 left so I may try it.)
Used the same pill for 15 years so even a slight change may have been enough to mess me up. The new med is actually worse. I am really down and I am really worried 🙁
Hi Chris,
Don’t panic! 🙂
You’re not supposed to “break up” sustained-delivery medications, including Vyvanse. So I’m not sure what you mean.
Just to be clear….from what you describe, you do NOT have the generic. You have the brand.
Instead of worrying, why not call your insurance company and ask if you can get the 70 mg….or your pharmacist. Maybe supplies have opened up.
I always suggest home-delivery over storefront when having a hard time finding product.
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/tools-and-strategies/home-delivery-stimulant-medications/
good luck
Gina
I started a generic form of Vyvanse from Specgzx about 10 days ago. So far – I am not impressed. I’ve been struggling to stay on task DAILY since I started it, which impacts my productivity at work. I’ve also had a few afternoons where I felt very frustrated and/or agitated – which is not normal for me. It’s only just occurred to me that it could be the “afternoon crash” that’s so common with other ADHD meds (that I NEVER had an issue with on Vyvanse) – so I’ll be paying closer attention going forward, and calling my insurance company to find out what my options are to get back on the brand. 🙁
Thanks for contributing to the brain trust here, Nicci.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with that, though.
Specgzx is a division of Mallinckrodt, one of the three generic manufacturers to produce the inferior Concerta generics, back in 2014. We succeeded in lobbying the FDA to downgrade those generics as non-bio-equivalent. But the CEO was outraged, threatened to sue the FDA, etc..
Good luck with getting what you need.
g
Do you know what Medicare Part D plans cover medications for ADD. I have been receiving Vyvanse through the Takeda Help at Hand program but now that their patent has expired and there are generics on the market, the program is being phased out. This leaves me without medication for ADD at the end of the year. I have tried every ADD medication available over the years and have had the best results from Vyvanse, which I’ve been on for years. To my knowledge, Medicare will cover Adderall, which I do not respond well to. Do you know what Part D plans cover meds for seniors with ADD? I am also concerned about the efficacy of the generics given the history of generics and so-called equivalents and doubt that Part D will cover it anyway.
Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Barbara,
I wish I could help, but my knowledge of what Medicare does/does not cover re: ADHD is non-existent.
It might be that one of the Vyvanse generics works well for you.
Meanwhile, you might want to check out one of the other dextroamphetamine stimulants. The medication is the same. The delivery system is different.
Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi, and ProCentra
good luck
Gina
Hi Barbara. My insurance plan covered brand Vyvanse(Medicare part D), until generics were approved(though not yet available in my area of New Jersey). Now they cover generic.
With respect to medicare drug plans go to https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/#/?year=2023&lang=en
You may log in to Medicare from there or just enter your zip code. Fairly clear after this – you will be asked to enter your Medications, names and doses. It shows you the cost of the plan and you can break out medication cost alone. I am not sure if they will be giving you the cost of Vyvanse or the generic, you may need to call the insurance company or Medicare to find out.
Hope that this helps.
Thanks, Micki!
Gina
I started the generic for Vyvanse 4 days ago. I have been taking the brand name for 5 yrs. I already feel a difference in a not beneficial way. 1. The powder is a finer texture, I’m guessing it’s what filler is being used
(my ocd presents over how medication is made lol so fun).
2. The comeup is noticeable and jittery. I normally take my vyvanse every morning at 7 am. Then by 8 am my mind is quieted and I stop finding layers of things to do, other then what I should be focusing on. Also brand Vyvanse helps with my verbal outburst, this generic is not helping with that. I still get hungry and eat on my Vyvanse, but with this generic it’s hard to even put the food in my mouth and chew. I do not have any eating disorder and my weight has not changed in 5 yrs. Im 5.5 and 139 pounds. I’m thinking of changing medication since Vyvanse brand will no longer be made. Thanks for the space to share.
Thank you so much, Lauren, for a report from the front lines.
Could you please tell us WHICH Vyvanse generic you have? There are at least 14, all made independently.
I encourage you to report any adverse effects via the FDA’s Medwatch
What you describe can be considered adverse, imho.
best of luck
g
Good news! I just left my provider’s office. I take Vyvanse 40mg opd. They told me about this news. I’m in the car now, logged in to my pharmacy app to check – Walgreens is already filling generic. My copay is $10 less, manufacturer = Mylan/Viatris.
Hi Kris,
Great! Please let us know how it works for you.
$10 less doesn’t seem like a great deal to me, but maybe you were paying a low price for brand.
g
Did you actually get your generic? I checked at my CVS Friday night (9/8) and they still are unable to order generic Vyvanse. LMK. Thanks
I’m at least hopeful that this will ease some of the shortages with new companies producing the medications.
There are some people who can use the non-OROS concerta knock-offs, but when they first came to the market we were all taken by surprise. I am wiser now because of it. When a patient suddenly isn’t well controlled on a medication or has new side effects, I ask if the pills look different and for them to check the label for manufacturer.
We’ll see how these generics work only once they start being used. We can at least hope they will be equivalent…
Hi Kristen,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, the problem is not that the inferior Concerta generics are “bad drugs.” The problem is that they are billed as bioequivalent to Concerta.
All those Concerta generics take up a lot of MPH supply, too.
Along with the PBM problem, consumers are facing some serious hurdles.
If ADHD hadn’t been so politicized, there’d be a Congressional investigation.
The ADHD 501(c)3 have never made it part of their mission to lobby Congress. That is a scandal, really.
g
Will 70MG VYVANSE be dropped?!! MY DOSAGE!! 60mg is the highest dosage included in your (see below) article re generic Vyvanse.
Note: I just had to pay 2X as much this month to obtain my Vyvanse 70mg (brand Vyvanse). Why? My dosage DISAPPEARED…in fact even 30 and 40mg was close to impossible to locate. I had to Google search and buy from a small family pharmacy – NOT my normal big chain pharmacy. My only option was to purchase BOTH 30 &. 40mg to equal 70mg! NO DISCOUNTS or COMMUNICATIONS from drug companies who had caused this crisis for their customers/ patients. Simply GONE!
AND
I have NO idea if even this will be available next month…or where, if so!
My longtime trusty AUTHORIZED generic CONCERTA disappeared in DEC 2022 – here I am again – my brand VYVANSE 70mg was just “DISAPPEARED!”
AND
I was one of those who got screwed by fraudulent so-called generic Concerta before that!
Take one guess as to how I feel about playing this drug companies’ game of medical “generic” roulette again!! I only want AUTHORIZED GENERIC …VYVANSE! We deserve it!
Vyvanse 70mg isn’t listed in your article…see paragraph
“14 Vyvanse Generics Manufacturers Approved
The FDA chart of approved Vyvanse generics currently shows 14 companies with approved Vyvanse generics. Not every company, however, produces all the available dosages — 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg.”
Hi Sally,
I hear your frustration. I don’t know if the 79 mg Vyvanse will be dropped. It might be that the brand continues. We’ll find out when we find out, I guess.
Just one clarification: this Hot Mess comes to us courtesy of Big Generic and its deals with the previous administrations FDA chief. That’s how we got here.
It’s not the only problem. Pharmacy Benefit Managers have thrown us all for a loopo,too.
But we can lay this issue with “non-bioequivalent” generics at the 2017 White House Administration’s (Trump’s) feet.
In truth, Concerta users were very lucky to get the authorized-generic as long as it did. It might have continued.
good luck
Gina
Sally, I ended up in the exact same situation beginning last month with my 70mg Vyvance prescription! I was caught completely unaware by the “shortage” situation after my routine recheck/refill visit to my doctor.
In my case, though I specifically inquired in a panic about the possibility of a 40/30 split from my doctor vs a temporary alternative medication (as through the cumbersome trial and error process we are all familiar with, Vyvance is the ONLY one that finally thoroughly and effectively managed all of my combined symptoms), it was made a tremendous hassle if not impossibility as my pharmacist would not divulge which, if any, of the dosages were both available and available in enough quantity to substitute without each combination having an individual prescription sent one at a time in order of preference. I then attempted to locate it at pharmacies within a 100 mile range, and all were also out of stock.
I ended up having to accept generic Concerta as a temporary substitute, which even in name brand form serves the equivalent of a bandaid on an arterial bleed when it comes to managing my conditions; AND ended up having to pay over $100 out of pocket for it because while my insurance covered Vyvance it did not cover Concerta. Yes that is a very dramatic comparison, however in this environment I am certain many understand that it can be precisely that dramatic.
This new stress of the inability to obtain my medication was a completely deflating experience, as I had only regained hope within the last year or so that achieving a manageable level of stability with consistent access to my medication was indeed a possibility, since the availability of doctors who will treat and prescribe adults for ADHD and related or combined conditions is so limited in many areas. Many mental health facilities and doctors I inquired to in the area I recently relocated to won’t even accept patients over 21.
So indeed while I was extremely excited to see that generics were just approved, I worry about when it will be available in my area, and now it seems also if my dosage will be available. I’m also wondering if it will take additional time for insurance, Medicare specifically, to extend coverage to the new generics.
Hi Mary,
It is for good reason that I routinely recommend looking into any home-delivery pharmacy benefit you might have.
Typically, it’s MUCH easier than calling around to local drugstores, who typically will not tell you what is in stock or what they carry over the phone.
https://adhdrollercoaster.org/tools-and-strategies/home-delivery-stimulant-medications/
good luck
g
Good afternoon
I am taking a newer drug, Azstarys. My doctor told me that it was invented by the same guy who invented Vyvanse. He also told me it’s a prodrug like Vyvanse. So far, so good for me. It lasts just as long and I don’t get that sluggish feeling in the evening like XR and to some degree Vyvanse did. Just my take. You should check it out
Thanks,
Scott
Thanks for that first-hand report, Scott. I did mention Azstaryz and other options in my last post about Concerta authorized-generic going away. https://adhdrollercoaster.org/adhd-news-and-research/pbms-restricting-adhd-medication-access/
I’m glad it’s working for you.
Dr. Robert Oberlender did work on Vyvanse while he was at a company called New River. But I don’t think he helped to develop Azstarys, which took place at a company called KenPharm. Perhaps the drug used a prodrag patent developed by Oberlender.
best
g
I am concerned about generics, because some of the manufacturers use red dye, which I’m allergic to and why I switched to Vyvanse in the first place. I don’t understand why anyone would use red dye in an adhd medication, considering red dye is linked to making adhd symptoms worse. I’m probably going to have to switch meds, because I can’t take a chance of getting a generic with red dye when I’m allergic.
I just don’t know any other kind that works like Vyvanse that I can switch to.
Hi Jennifer,
Stopping Vyvanse might be rather drastic, if it works well for you.
Check with your insurance company or pharmacist. See if you can continue to get brand.
If one day you pick up your Rx and it’s a generic, do not pay for it yet. Instead, investigate the list of ingredients for that manufacturer’s generic Vyvanse. Maybe the pharmacist will help you.
The idea is not to panic but to problem-solve.
good luck
Gina