Counterfeit Adderall Pills Are Being Sold Over Internet, According to FDA

Fake Adderall pills are reportedly being sold on the internet, and they may contain the wrong ingredients, federal health officials warn.

The FDA issued a press release on Tuesday, warning consumers of counterfeit Teva Adderall pills. The FDA did not report whether the fake pills had been linked to any adverse events or injuries.

Adderall tablets are approved by the FDA to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The active ingredients are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate.

The actual Adderall pills are an orange/peach color, have the letters “dp” embossed on one side and the number “30” embossed on the other. The pills are sold in 100-count bottles with the NDC number 0555-0768-02. The medication is available only by prescription.

Counterfeit Adderall pills have been tested by the FDA and found to contain tramadol and acetaminophen, which are painkillers. The fake pills are round, white, and have no markings. Any Adderall pills that match that description should be considered counterfeit and should not be purchased or taken.

Teva Pharmaceuticals has struggled to meet demand for Adderall, and counterfeiters have moved in to take up the slack, the FDA reports. The pills are being sold on the internet regardless of whether the buyer has a prescription.

Acetaminophen is the pharmaceutical ingredient contained in Tylenol and a number of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. It is also widely marketed for use among infants and children for the treatment of fever, aches and pain.

The FDA has indicated that acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., resulting in more than 50,000 emergency room visits, 25,000 hospitalizations and over 450 deaths annually. In many cases, individuals receive too much acetaminophen because they are taking multiple drugs that contain the painkiller, which could be a risk with the counterfeit adderall tablets if they contain the medication.