About the shortages of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesilate) capsules

Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia has informed us that Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesilate) 60 mg capsules are now in shortage: 

The shortage of Vyvanse 20mg capsules has resolved. 

Vyvanse is used to treat serious conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder (BED). 

We understand the challenges these shortages have caused for people who need Vyvanse. Please consult with your prescriber if you need assistance with your treatment plan.

Takeda is working closely with pharmacy wholesalers to facilitate equitable distribution of available strengths. 

We are closely monitoring the supply of all strengths and will update this page with updated information as it becomes available. Please also refer to the Medicine Shortage Reports Database (search for ‘Vyvanse’) for the most up-to-date information. 

For specific information about the availability of Vyvanse capsules, please contact Takeda directly.

Information for patients

Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia has informed us that Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesilate) 60 mg capsules are in shortage until end-October 2024. 

We understand how crucial it is for patients and their caregivers to have consistent access to Vyvanse. We acknowledge the concerns and difficulties caused by shortages of this medicine, especially due to the specific requirements for prescribing and dispensing it. 

If you are prescribed Vyvanse 60 mg, please contact your prescribing doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist to discuss continued treatment options as soon as possible.

Please also know that there is always someone to talk to about mental health and behavioural concerns. If you or someone close to you is experiencing an emergency, or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

The HealthDirect website has a full list of mental health resources at www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources. 

Information for prescribers

Takeda has informed us that Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesilate) 60 mg is in shortage until end-October 2024. Your patients may reach out to you to discuss ongoing treatment options while Vyvanse 60 mg is unavailable.

Although the shortage of Vyvanse 20 mg capsules has resolved, please consider limiting new initiations to help preserve available supply for existing patients and maintain continuity of their treatment while supply stabilises.

Pharmacists, patients and carers may contact you to authorise alternative strengths of Vyvanse or substitute medicines to treat their condition. We acknowledge the difficulties involved in the prescribing of controlled drugs and the extra administrative workload these shortages cause. We understand that knowing about shortages early enables you to review and change prescriptions and treatment for patients if needed. 

Please refer to this webpage and the Medicine Shortage Reports database for the most up-to-date information. 

Information for pharmacists 

Takeda has informed us that Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesilate) 60 mg is in shortage until end-October 2024. 

Prioritising the dispensing of Vyvanse to ongoing patients where possible will help preserve available supplies for them, to maintain continuity of treatment. 

Please advise patients and carers whose prescriptions you cannot fill to contact their prescriber for an alternative. We acknowledge the difficulties involved in the dispensing of controlled drugs and the extra administrative workload these shortages cause.

Takeda is monitoring the supply to support fair distribution.

General information

We are closely monitoring the availability of all strengths of Vyvanse and continue to work with the sponsor to update this advice when needed. We encourage you to check this webpage and the medicine shortage reports database for updates about availability.