Australia Faces Medication Shortage for ADHD Treatment
Concerta supply issues leave families struggling amid rising demand for ADHD medications.
Australia is currently dealing with a significant shortage of Concerta, a commonly prescribed medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This shortage has led to widespread distress among families who rely on the medication for daily functioning.
Approximately one in 20 Australians is diagnosed with ADHD, and the recent surge in diagnoses has exacerbated the demand for Concerta, outpacing its availability in the market.
Reports indicate that patients, including children and teenagers, are finding it increasingly difficult to access this essential medication.
One individual affected by the shortage described the situation as debilitating, stating that without the medication, they feel disorganized and unable to concentrate.
The manufacturer of Concerta, Johnson & Johnson, announced in recent communications that the shipment of Concerta, which was initially expected in May, has been postponed until December.
The company acknowledged the constrained supply of various strengths of Concerta, including 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has been informed about these shortages, which are not limited to Concerta but also affect other brands of methylphenidate, including Methylphenidate-Teva.
The TGA noted that the shortages of these medications stem from a combination of manufacturing issues and an unexpected increase in demand due to the unavailability of alternative methylphenidate products.
Despite the challenges faced by patients, Ritalin LA, another modified-release formulation of methylphenidate, is currently not experiencing similar shortages.
To mitigate the impact on patients, the TGA has approved the importation of alternative overseas methylphenidate products under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This allows pharmacists to supply these overseas-registered alternatives to patients, although they are not subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The TGA has highlighted that decisions about which products to subsidize on the PBS are made by private entities involved in the medications' sponsorship, and the government cannot compel sponsors to list any product on this scheme.
Ongoing discussions around these shortages aim to safeguard access to ADHD treatments, with the TGA working closely with medicine sponsors to address supply issues as they arise.
Families affected by the medication shortages have been advised to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on managing ADHD symptoms during this challenging time.
This shortage has led to widespread distress among families who rely on the medication for daily functioning.
Approximately one in 20 Australians is diagnosed with ADHD, and the recent surge in diagnoses has exacerbated the demand for Concerta, outpacing its availability in the market.
Reports indicate that patients, including children and teenagers, are finding it increasingly difficult to access this essential medication.
One individual affected by the shortage described the situation as debilitating, stating that without the medication, they feel disorganized and unable to concentrate.
The manufacturer of Concerta, Johnson & Johnson, announced in recent communications that the shipment of Concerta, which was initially expected in May, has been postponed until December.
The company acknowledged the constrained supply of various strengths of Concerta, including 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has been informed about these shortages, which are not limited to Concerta but also affect other brands of methylphenidate, including Methylphenidate-Teva.
The TGA noted that the shortages of these medications stem from a combination of manufacturing issues and an unexpected increase in demand due to the unavailability of alternative methylphenidate products.
Despite the challenges faced by patients, Ritalin LA, another modified-release formulation of methylphenidate, is currently not experiencing similar shortages.
To mitigate the impact on patients, the TGA has approved the importation of alternative overseas methylphenidate products under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. This allows pharmacists to supply these overseas-registered alternatives to patients, although they are not subsidized under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The TGA has highlighted that decisions about which products to subsidize on the PBS are made by private entities involved in the medications' sponsorship, and the government cannot compel sponsors to list any product on this scheme.
Ongoing discussions around these shortages aim to safeguard access to ADHD treatments, with the TGA working closely with medicine sponsors to address supply issues as they arise.
Families affected by the medication shortages have been advised to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on managing ADHD symptoms during this challenging time.
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