National Supply Shortage of Prescribed Medication

Supply shortage of medicines for ADHD

The department of Health and Social Care has alerted us that there is a national supply shortage of the medication prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms.

The supply disruption of these products is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.
How long will the shortage last?

At present, the supply disruptions are expected to resolve at various dates between October and December 2023.
This is a national supply problem and all UK ADHD services; Paediatrics, CAMHS, Adults, and Pharmacies within the community and in hospitals are affected.

The medication you are prescribed may not be affected.

The medicines affected are: 

• Methylphenidate prolonged-release capsules and tablets,
• Lisdexamfetamine capsules, and
• Guanfacine prolonged-release tablets.
• There are on-going shortages of the Atomoxetine capsules and liquid too.

Are there alternative medications available?

Other ADHD products remain available, they may not be suitable for everyone and may not be able to meet the increases in demand.

We know how important getting your medicines is. Our team are always happy to talk to you about your medicines and to explain why getting your medicine may be difficult at the moment. We will also explain what that will mean for your treatment. 

If considered necessary, your Specialist will offer you the choice between taking a treatment break or changing your medication to one that is not currently affected by the supply shortage.

Once the supply shortage has been resolved your medication will be changed back to the medicine you were previously prescribed.

The change in medication may mean you are taking mediation more often through the day, or that they are tablets instead of capsules.

Please be aware that there may still be delays at Pharmacies in obtaining the newly prescribed medication.
You should order your medication as normal. Do not attempt to order too early or try to order extra medication. This will result in further shortages and make the situation worse’. 

What should I do if I cannot get my ADHD prescription from the pharmacy?

If one pharmacy is unable to obtain supplies, please try a different pharmacy. Pharmacies may use different suppliers or wholesalers to source medicines so availability will depend on whether each pharmacy’s suppliers have stock or not.

Where there is a known 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.

Is it safe to stop taking ADHD medication abruptly?

Please consult your GP or ADHD service for guidance if you think you are running out of medication.

NICE guidelines recommend having regular treatment breaks from ADHD medications. It is not unusual to stop taking medication over the weekend or during school holidays.

Therefore, no harm should come from stopping the medication but this should be done in a planned way. 

If you are prescribed Guanfacine (Intuniv®) please contact your ADHD service and this medication must be stopped slowly as it can cause your blood pressure to increase if stopped suddenly. Consult your GP or ADHD service as soon as possible if you cannot get your prescription from the pharmacy.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Specialist Team