Provider Briefing: The Mydayis Shortage in 2026

The nationwide amphetamine shortage that began in October 2022 continues to affect clinical practice in 2026. For providers who prescribe Mydayis (mixed amphetamine salts extended-release) for ADHD, the ongoing supply disruption has created prescribing challenges, increased patient distress, and required ongoing attention to formulary alternatives and availability resources.

This briefing provides a comprehensive update on the Mydayis shortage, including the timeline of events, current availability picture, prescribing implications, cost and access considerations, and tools to help your patients locate their medication.

Timeline of the Amphetamine Shortage

Understanding how we got here helps frame the current situation and likely trajectory:

• October 2022: FDA first reports amphetamine mixed salts shortage. Teva Pharmaceuticals, one of the largest generic Adderall manufacturers, confirms production issues.
• 2023: Shortage intensifies and expands to extended-release formulations including Mydayis. ASHP lists multiple amphetamine products in shortage. Patient complaints and media coverage increase significantly.
• 2024: Shortage persists despite increased manufacturer efforts. Several additional generic manufacturers seek FDA approval for amphetamine extended-release products. DEA comes under political pressure to increase production quotas.
• Fall 2025: DEA officially increases annual production quotas for amphetamine medications. This is a significant policy change that allows manufacturers to produce more.
• Early 2026: Supply has improved but remains inconsistent, particularly for niche products like Mydayis. ASHP continues to list amphetamine ER products with various manufacturers on back order.

Prescribing Implications

The shortage creates several clinical considerations for providers:

Medication substitution is not straightforward

Mydayis uses a proprietary triple-bead delivery system that provides up to 16 hours of coverage. This is pharmacokinetically distinct from Adderall XR (dual-bead, ~12 hours) and other amphetamine formulations. The FDA labeling explicitly warns against substituting amphetamine products on a milligram-per-milligram basis due to different amphetamine base compositions and differing pharmacokinetic profiles.

When transitioning patients to alternatives, consider:

• Adderall XR: Closest composition but shorter duration. May require supplemental immediate-release dosing in the afternoon for patients who needed Mydayis's 16-hour coverage.
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): Prodrug with up to 14 hours of coverage. Smoother onset. Generic now available. May be the most pharmacokinetically similar alternative in terms of duration.
• Concerta (Methylphenidate ER): Different stimulant class entirely. Not affected by the amphetamine shortage. Consider for patients who cannot access any amphetamine product, or who may benefit from a class switch.
• Jornay PM (Methylphenidate): Evening-dosed option that provides morning-onset coverage. Brand only. Useful for patients with significant morning symptom burden.

Prior authorization and step therapy

Many payers require step therapy for Mydayis — typically requiring a trial of generic Adderall XR or generic mixed amphetamine salts before approving Mydayis. In the context of the shortage, this creates a paradox: the step-therapy drugs may also be unavailable.

Consider documenting the shortage when submitting prior authorization requests. Some payers have implemented shortage-related exceptions. Contact the patient's plan to inquire about expedited approvals.

Controlled substance prescribing considerations

Mydayis is Schedule II. Key reminders:

• Prescriptions are limited to a 30-day supply in most states
• No refills — a new prescription is required each month
• EPCS (Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances) allows you to send prescriptions to any pharmacy electronically, which helps when patients need to fill at a different location
• Some states allow multiple 30-day prescriptions with future fill dates — check your state's regulations

Current Availability Picture

As of early 2026, Mydayis availability varies significantly by region and pharmacy. Key observations:

• Brand Mydayis: Intermittently available. More likely to be found at larger pharmacies and through mail-order services.
• Generic Mydayis: FDA-approved but pharmacy availability is inconsistent. When stocked, it's typically significantly less expensive than brand.
• Regional variation: Urban areas generally have better availability than rural regions. Independent pharmacies with multiple wholesaler relationships often have more success sourcing stock.

Providers can direct patients to Medfinder for Providers to check real-time pharmacy availability in their area.

Cost and Access Considerations

The financial impact on patients is substantial:

• Brand Mydayis: $345-$466 cash price for a 30-day supply
• Generic Mydayis: $90-$150 with coupon cards (e.g., GoodRx) when available
• Insurance: Most plans require prior authorization. Step therapy is common. Brand may be Tier 3 or specialty tier.

Patient assistance resources

• Takeda Help at Hand: Patient assistance program for uninsured or underinsured patients (helpathandpap.com)
• GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver: Coupon cards that can reduce the cost of generic Mydayis to $90-$150
• NeedyMeds and RxAssist: Directories of patient assistance programs

For a patient-friendly resource on cost savings, refer patients to our guide on how to save money on Mydayis.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Several tools can help you and your staff manage the shortage more effectively:

Medfinder for Providers

Medfinder allows you to check real-time pharmacy availability for Mydayis and other medications. You can use it to identify which pharmacies near your patients currently have stock, reducing the number of wasted prescriptions and frustrated patient calls.

ASHP Drug Shortage Database

The ASHP maintains the most comprehensive database of current drug shortages, including estimated resupply dates by manufacturer. Check ashp.org/drug-shortages for the latest Mydayis-specific updates.

FDA Drug Shortage Database

The FDA's own shortage tracking system provides manufacturer-level supply information. Available at accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages.

Patient education materials

Share these resources with patients:

• How to find Mydayis in stock
• Alternatives to Mydayis
• Mydayis shortage update for patients

Looking Ahead

The trajectory of the shortage is cautiously positive. The DEA's decision to increase production quotas in 2025 was a meaningful step. Generic competition for Mydayis should gradually improve availability and reduce costs. However, the combination of rising ADHD diagnoses, controlled-substance regulations, and complex manufacturing means that intermittent supply disruptions are likely to continue through 2026.

Providers can best support their patients by:

• Maintaining familiarity with alternative ADHD medications and their pharmacokinetic profiles
• Using electronic prescribing to quickly redirect prescriptions to pharmacies with stock
• Proactively discussing backup plans with patients before they run out of medication
• Connecting patients with pharmacy locator tools and cost-saving resources

Final Thoughts

The Mydayis shortage remains an active clinical challenge in 2026, though the situation is improving. Staying informed about supply trends, maintaining flexible prescribing strategies, and equipping patients with the right tools and resources are the most effective ways to manage through this ongoing disruption.

For a provider-specific guide to helping patients find medication, see our article on how to help patients find Mydayis in stock.