A shortage of medications used to treat ADHD could leave more than one million Australians paying more for substitutes.
The nation’s health regulator says certain drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are in short supply, and the shortage could last until the end of 2025.
“We understand it can be frustrating when you are unable to get your preferred brand of a medicine, but using other brands, including overseas-registered products, may at times be unavoidable during these shortages,” the Therapeutic Goods Administration said.
“Please note that certain medicines a pharmacist can substitute may cost you more, and in some cases you may require a new prescription.”
Several brands, including Janssen-Cilag and Teva Pharma’s Concerta and Teva-XR products and Novartis and AFT Pharmaceuticals’ Ritalin LA and Rubifen LA products were impacted, the TGA said.
They affect different doses across the brands with some being low in stock since September.
The shortages of Concerta and Ritalin LA products are put down to manufacturing issues, while the shortage of Teva-XR and Rubifen LA products is due to increased demand caused by the unavailability of other methylphenidate products.
The health regulator has urged patients and caregivers to speak to their pharmacist about supply and their prescribers early to develop a treatment plan.
To reduce the impact of shortages, it has approved a supply of overseas-registered Concerta tablets.
The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association said Australia was experiencing a “perfect storm” as it faces a shortfall in medication.
“Australia is facing an escalating shortage of ADHD medications, and while emergency alternatives like a Swiss-registered Concerta are technically available … the lack of PBS listing and long import delays make them inaccessible for most families,” it said.
The association said the active ingredient used in the drugs was produced in several countries, including China, India and the United States.
In the US, where the pharmaceutical companies make the products, the Drug Enforcement Administration imposes strict annual production quotas to prevent abuse.
“Even if demand increases legitimately or shortages loom, more (of the active ingredient) cannot be produced without a green light from the (regulator),” the association said.
ADHD is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects people’s ability to control thoughts, words, actions and emotions.
More than one million Australians live with the condition, amounting to one in every 20 people.
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