Is There a Generic for Vyvanse? 5 Things You Should Know About Generic Vyvanse
Key takeaways:
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prescription medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) and binge eating disorder. It was only available as a brand-name medication until generic Vyvanse became available in 2023.
Several pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing generic Vyvanse capsules and chewable tablets. But as of April 2024, generic Vyvanse is part of a drug shortage that includes several ADHD medications.
If you or your child is prescribed generic Vyvanse but you’re having trouble accessing it, talk to your pharmacist and prescriber. They can keep you updated on the status of the drug shortage and offer alternative options if necessary.
Table of contents
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is an oral medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). It also treats binge eating disorder. It’s a long-acting medication that only needs to be taken once a day, making it an attractive option for those thinking about treatment.
For 16 years, Vyvanse was only available as a brand-name medication. But in August 2023, the generic Vyvanse entered the market. Below, we cover five things to know about Vyvanse — including how Vyvanse generics came to be and whether they’re readily available.
1. Generic Vyvanse is currently available
Vyvanse became a generic medication in 2023. Up until then, only one company (Takeda pharmaceuticals) made Vyvanse. Now, several manufacturers are producing generic Vyvanse, including:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries
Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Hikma Pharmaceuticals
Mylan
Save over 40% on Qsymia with GoodRx
Discover the once daily Qsymia for weight management. Qsymia is for adults and children 12-17 in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
2. For a long time, special rules protected brand-name Vyvanse from becoming a generic product
Vyvanse was first FDA approved in 2007 for ADHD. It was then approved for binge eating disorder in 2015. But it wasn’t until 2023 that generic Vyvanse — lisdexamfetamine — became FDA approved. There are a few reasons it took 16 years for generic Vyvanse to hit the market, including:
Patents: Takeda pharmaceuticals had patents for Vyvanse. Drug companies can have several patents for one medication. These patents can cover everything from how a medication is made to how it’s used. Patents are granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Market exclusivity: Takeda also had market exclusivity of Vyvanse. Market exclusivity refers to the period of time where other companies couldn’t legally make a generic version of Vyvanse. Market exclusivity is granted by the FDA.
Takeda’s market exclusivity expired in 2012. But because its patents didn’t expire until 2023, generic versions of Vyvanse couldn’t be made until this time.
3. Generic Vyvanse works as well as brand-name Vyvanse
Generic medications are made to work just as well as their brand-name counterparts. Manufacturers of generic Vyvanse were required to prove that their medications work in the same way as brand-name Vyvanse. This means they have the same active ingredient, risks, and benefits. They may contain different inactive ingredients and look different, however.
The major difference between generic and brand-name Vyvanse is that generic versions cost significantly less.
4. Generic Vyvanse is available in two oral forms
Generic and brand-name Vyvanse are both available in two oral forms: capsules and chewable tablets. They’re both taken once a day in the morning.
You can swallow the capsules whole, or sprinkle their contents into a small amount of yogurt, orange juice, or water that you’ll be able to consume in one sitting (to make sure you get your full dose). The chewable tablets should be chewed completely before swallowing.
5. As of April 2024, generic Vyvanse is in shortage
As of April 2024, generic Vyvanse is just one of several ADHD medications that’s in short supply. This is what’s known as a drug shortage.
The generic Vyvanse shortage may be due to two main reasons. First, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sets restrictions on the production of certain controlled substances to avoid excess supply being sold illegally. Generic Vyvanse manufacturers claim they aren’t able to produce as much of the medication as they’d like due to these restrictions.
Second, shortages of other ADHD medications may also contribute to the generic Vyvanse shortage. For example, Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) — a common ADHD medication — is also in shortage. This has increased demand for generic Vyvanse, affecting the manufacturers’ ability to keep up.
What should you do if you’re affected by the generic Vyvanse shortage?
If you or your child has been affected by the generic Vyvanse shortage, talk with your prescriber and pharmacist. Your pharmacist can let you know whether generic Vyvanse is in stock at your pharmacy. If it isn’t, your (or your child’s) prescriber may be able to recommend another ADHD medication, or they may recommend brand-name Vyvanse (which isn’t in short supply as of April 2024).
However, brand-name Vyvanse is more expensive. Even if you have health insurance, your insurance plan will likely have better coverage for generic Vyvanse compared to the brand-name product. However, some insurance plans may make an exception due to the shortage. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your options.
The bottom line
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is an oral medication that treats ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). It also treats binge eating disorder. As of August 2023, generic Vyvanse capsules and chewable tablets are available.
It took 16 years for Vyvanse to become generic. Now, several pharmaceutical manufacturers make generic Vyvanse. Generic Vyvanse works just as well as its brand-name counterpart. But as of April 2024, generic Vyvanse is part of a drug shortage. If you or your child is prescribed generic Vyvanse and you’re having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, talk to your prescriber about your options.
Why trust our experts?
References
Berger, J., et al. (2017). How drug life-cycle management patent strategies may impact formulary management. American Journal of Managed Care.
Elyse Macdonald. (2024). Amphetamine mixed salts, immediate-release tablets. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
FederalRegister.gov. (2024). Title 21, chapter II, part 1303–Quotas. National Archives and Records Administration.
Kansteiner, F. (2023). Takeda braces for impact as Vyvanse edges toward the patent cliff. Fierce Pharma.
Lovelace, B., Jr. (2024). ‘I’m fed up’: Frustrations grow as ADHD drug shortage continues. NBC News.
Shire PLC. (2010). District court upholds FDA’s grant of 5-year market exclusivity to Vyvanse. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (2023). Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate [package insert].
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2023). Vyvanse [package insert].
Tin, A. (2024). Why is there an ADHD medication shortage in 2024? What's making generics of Vyvanse, Adderall and more so scarce. CBS News.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Frequently asked questions on patents and exclusivity.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Generic drugs: Questions & answers.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves multiple generics of ADHD and BED treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). FDA drug shortages: Alvogen.
Watts, V. (2015). FDA approves first drug for binge-eating disorder. Psychiatric News.
Was this page helpful?
Related Articles
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.