ADHD medication supply issues
Over the past year we have been experiencing multiple supply problems with medicines prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms. This is still a problem with some medicines.
We know how important your medicines can be, and understand the frustration and anxiety this is probably causing if you/ your child is still affected.
Methylphenidate slow-release tablets are the main group of medicines still affected. Availability can vary between different brands and strengths of tablets. We have been told to expect some on-going disruption until November 2024 (and this may continue until the New Year).
This is a national problem and affects ALL services ( specialist CAMHS, paediatric and ADHD services as well as GPs).
This may be especially difficult at this moment as you return to school, college or university. If you are struggling to get a supply of your medicine, let your school know (your teacher and SENDCo) about the problem and how it is affecting you/ your child. They can discuss any additional support that might be needed during the school day to help at this time. This may also be important if you have been switched to another medicine that doesn’t manage your/ your child’s symptoms as well.
For additional support, please visit:
ADHD Medicine shortage easy read information
National Supply Shortage of Medicines for ADHD.
Information for Children, Young People and their Families
The Government have informed us that there is a national supply shortage of the medication prescribed to help manage your ADHD symptoms. The disruption in supply has been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
We know how important your medicines are and understand that this may cause you to feel anxious. We hope that this information will provide some reassurance and give you advice about what to do and who to contact if you need any support.
The problems with supply have continued for much longer than expected. We have been told to expect on-going supply problems for some medicines until November 2024 (dates and availability can vary for different medicines). It is possible this may continue until early 2025.
This is a national supply problem and all UK ADHD services; Paediatrics, CAMHS, Adults, and all pharmacies(hospital and community) and dispensing GP surgeries will be affected.
The medicines currently affected are:
- Methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets
(Previous problems with atomoxetine, guanfacine and lisdexamfetamine have currently resolved)
If your medication is affected by the supply problems, you may want to consider just taking this on school/ education or work days to help prolong the supply you have. Be aware of how this could affect other activities you do, such as driving.
(Do not do this if you take guanfacine. This needs to be taken every day. If you do miss one dose, start taking your prescribed dose again the next day. If you miss more than 2 doses in a row- contact your prescriber immediately for advice).
Other ADHD products remain available, but they may not be suitable for everyone and may not be able to meet the increases in demand.
Your prescriber (GP or specialist) and CFHD specialist team or pharmacist are always happy to talk to you about your medicines, explain why getting your medicine may be difficult at the moment and support you with solutions to issues and concerns you might have concerning this.
Where your current medication isn’t available, your prescriber will discuss alternative treatment options with you and support you to make a choice that is best for you. This could mean changing your medication to one not currently affected by the supply shortage or taking a treatment break.
If your treatment needs to be changed, after the supply shortage has resolved your medication will be reviewed and either changed back to the medicine you were previously prescribed, or a decision made to continue with the new medication if this is what you prefer.
The change in medication may mean you are taking mediation more often through the day, or that they are tablets instead of capsules.
If you are not sure how to take your new medication, or have any questions about it, you can always ask your pharmacist when you collect your prescription, or speak to your prescriber. Never be worried about asking questions!
Please be aware that there may still be delays in obtaining your prescribed medication at a pharmacy. Make sure you order repeat prescriptions for your medication in good time. This means that if there are any problems getting hold of the medication – there is time to sort them out.
If you are concerned that you are not able to re-order your prescription soon enough (for example, unavailable option via NHS App or GP system) then speak to your GP surgery prescribing team for help and advice.
If one pharmacy is unable to get your medicine, please try a different pharmacy.
(Pharmacies may use different suppliers or wholesalers to order medicines which is why availability can vary).
If your GP prescribes your medicine, prescriptions can usually be transferred electronically between pharmacies if needed. If your prescription is provided by a specialist prescriber the paper prescription will be returned to you so you can take it to a different pharmacy ( in some cases a new prescription might be needed- the pharmacy will advise you about this).
Where there is a shortage of a medicine, supply levels can change quickly. This is why pharmacies in one area may be able to find a medicine and others may not.
Alternatively, it may be best to leave the prescription (FP10) with a pharmacy that could check wholesaler stock levels daily and place an order. It would be a good idea to leave a contact telephone number with the pharmacy and ask them to call or message in case they need to talk to about your order.
If your medication is not available, ask your pharmacist what alternative medicines they are able to order (names and strength of medication- ask them to write them down if needed). This information will be helpful to your prescriber (GP or specialist) if they need to consider other treatment options with you.
Please let your prescriber ( GP or specialist) know as soon as possible if you think you are going to run out of medication so that they can offer appropriate advice and support.
National guidelines (NICE) recommend having regular treatment breaks from ADHD medications. It is not unusual to stop taking medication over the weekend or during school holidays (and you may wish to consider this if possible, to prolong your current supply of medication*). Therefore, no harm should come from stopping medication suddenly, but ideally this should be done in a planned way. You should always let your prescriber (GP or specialist) know if you stop your medication for whatever reason.
*An exception to this is If you are prescribed Guanfacine (Intuniv®) Please contact your specialist service as soon as possible if you think you are going to run out and can’t get a prescription from your pharmacy. This medication must be stopped slowly as it can cause your blood pressure to increase if stopped suddenly.
If you end up missing doses of medication or need to take a treatment break it will be important to let people that support you know (for example family, friends, teachers at school and college or work colleagues).
Whilst medication can make a big difference, remember to think about all the other things you can do that make a positive different to how you feel (including what you eat, exercise and sleep) ask for advice, information and help about this if you need it.
Further information about medication can be found here or by contacting your CFHD Specialist Team.