NOTICE from Pharmac
28 February 2024

Subject: Methylphenidate (Concerta and Ritalin LA) amendment to Special Authority and supply constraint.


Kia ora,

We are letting you know that from 1 March 2024 the Special Authority criteria for Concerta and Ritalin LA will be amended. This will remove the criterion allowing people to start on Concerta or Ritalin LA if unable to access Teva-ER due to supply issues.
This is because all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva, are available again, and supply of Concerta is constrained.
 
We are working closely with Janssen, the supplier of Concerta, to understand the supply outlook and any improvements in supply that can be made.
 

Supply constraints with Concerta

There is pressure on the supply of Concerta, particularly the 27 mg strength. This strength is expected to be constrained from mid-March 2024 and over the following months.

We have asked prescribers and pharmacists to change those people who have been temporarily taking the Concerta brand back to Methylphenidate ER – Teva at the next available opportunity.
 

Key Messages for those affected:

• You may have been changed to an alternative brand (Concerta) recently due to a supply issue. If you have not yet changed back to the Teva brand, this will likely happen when you collect your next prescription.

 

• Clinical advice indicates that people currently taking the Methylphenidate ER - Teva brand can change to the Concerta brand and vice versa.

 

• If you have any questions or concerns, please speak directly with your pharmacist or prescriber.

 
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Please see our website for more information about this: Methylphenidate ER supply issue