A widely prescribed medication for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been pulled from shelves across the country following tests that revealed it may not work effectively.
The Recall Details
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on October 28, 2025, that several lots of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsules, the generic form of Vyvanse, are subject to a nationwide recall. The action was triggered by the California State Board of Pharmacy, which reported that the medication failed dissolution testing.
Dissolution is a critical process where a pill must break down in the body to be absorbed. The board stated, "The impacted capsules would not be able to deliver an optimal level of medicine and may impact the therapeutic efficacy of the product." This means patients might not receive the full intended dose, rendering the treatment less effective.
What Patients Need to Know
Officials have been quick to reassure the public that taking the recalled medication does not pose a direct health risk. However, the primary concern is that individuals will not benefit from the full therapeutic effect, potentially disrupting their ADHD management.
The recall affects capsules in multiple dosages: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, and 70mg. The drugs were shipped by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries between May 1, 2024, and November 13, 2024, and have an expiration date in 2026.
Patients who have this medication are strongly advised to contact their doctor or pharmacy immediately to arrange for a replacement or a refund. A complete list of the affected bottle codes is available via the official recall notice.
The Wider Impact of the Recall
ADHD is a behavioural condition that affects millions. Sufferers often experience restlessness, trouble concentrating, and impulsivity. While often diagnosed in childhood, it also affects a significant number of adults.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 7 million children were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2022, and about 15.5 million adults had a diagnosis as of 2023. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate is a cornerstone treatment, with over nine million prescriptions dispensed in 2023 alone, highlighting the potential scale of this recall's impact on patients across the UK and the US.
