A nationwide recall has been issued for a widely used ADHD medication after it was discovered that some capsules aren’t dissolving properly, meaning patients may not be getting the full effect of their prescribed dose.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several lots of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules — the generic version of Vyvanse — have been recalled by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
💊 Why the Recall Happened
The recall, announced on October 28, was issued after the medication failed dissolution tests, which determine how effectively a drug breaks down in the body.
The Board of Pharmacy explained the problem in a statement:
“Dissolution is essential for drugs to be absorbed and have a physiological effect. The impacted capsules would not be able to deliver an optimal level of medicine and may affect the therapeutic efficacy of the product.”
In simpler terms — the pills might not release enough of the medication to work as intended.
The FDA later classified the recall as Class II, meaning that while the affected drugs could cause temporary or medically reversible side effects, they are not expected to pose serious health risks.
📦 Which Medications Are Affected
The recall includes seven dosage levels of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules:
10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, and 70 mg.
The recalled products were shipped between May 1, 2024, and November 13, 2024, and are not set to expire until 2026.
In 2023 alone, more than 9 million prescriptions for this generic ADHD medication were filled across the U.S., making this recall especially significant.
🧾 What Patients Should Do
The FDA has not issued detailed public guidance, and Sun Pharma has not released an official statement about the recall. However, patients who currently take lisdexamfetamine dimesylate are advised to:
- Check their medication packaging for affected lot numbers (available on the FDA website).
- Contact their doctor or pharmacist to confirm if their prescription is part of the recall.
- Request a replacement or refund if affected.
Officials stress that there is no immediate safety risk from taking the recalled medication — but its effectiveness may be reduced, potentially impacting treatment results for those managing ADHD.
🩺 Bottom Line
If you or your child take a generic version of Vyvanse, double-check your prescription. While the recall isn’t cause for panic, ensuring your medication works as it should is crucial — especially for those relying on it for focus and daily functioning.
