Pharmac: Supply issue affecting methylphenidate ER (Concerta and Teva)
Notice from Pharmac:
Friday 16 August 2024
Subject: Supply issue affecting methylphenidate ER (Concerta and Teva)
Kia ora.
Pharmac has been made aware that from the end of August, there are expected gaps in supply of both the Concerta and Teva brands of extended-release (ER) methylphenidate.
We’re anticipating that there will be times when people will not be able to access either brand.
Please consider treatment alternatives now to preserve the brands of extended-release methylphenidate for people who need it the most.
Current outlook
In late August to early September, we expect there will be an outage of the 27mg and 54mg strengths of the Teva and the Concerta brands of extended-release methylphenidate.
We also expect the 18mg and 36mg strengths of both brands of extended-release methylphenidate to go out of stock for a one-to-two-week period in mid-October.
We expect some people may not be able to access their medication and alternative ADHD treatments will be required. We have a supply issue webpage which we will update as more information becomes available: methylphenidate ER tablets supply issue.
Information for prescribers
Pharmac has received clinical advice, which can be used at your discretion.
For people new to ADHD treatments: please do not start any new patients on extended-release methylphenidate unless absolutely necessary. Instead consider alternative, shorter duration, methylphenidate formulations:
For people who are currently treated with an extended-release methylphenidate: Please consider each person’s individual circumstances:
Pharmac has worked with its clinical advisors on information outlining dose equivalence and release profiles of different brands of methylphenidate.
We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this change is informed. Please share this information with your colleagues.
If you have questions about this, email [email protected]
********************
We appreciate the stress and frustration this sort of supply issue causes - ADHD New Zealand will keep you updated with further information from Pharmac, as it becomes available.
Friday 16 August 2024
Subject: Supply issue affecting methylphenidate ER (Concerta and Teva)
Kia ora.
Pharmac has been made aware that from the end of August, there are expected gaps in supply of both the Concerta and Teva brands of extended-release (ER) methylphenidate.
We’re anticipating that there will be times when people will not be able to access either brand.
Please consider treatment alternatives now to preserve the brands of extended-release methylphenidate for people who need it the most.
Current outlook
In late August to early September, we expect there will be an outage of the 27mg and 54mg strengths of the Teva and the Concerta brands of extended-release methylphenidate.
We also expect the 18mg and 36mg strengths of both brands of extended-release methylphenidate to go out of stock for a one-to-two-week period in mid-October.
We expect some people may not be able to access their medication and alternative ADHD treatments will be required. We have a supply issue webpage which we will update as more information becomes available: methylphenidate ER tablets supply issue.
Information for prescribers
Pharmac has received clinical advice, which can be used at your discretion.
For people new to ADHD treatments: please do not start any new patients on extended-release methylphenidate unless absolutely necessary. Instead consider alternative, shorter duration, methylphenidate formulations:
- The 8-hour formulations Ritalin LA or Rubifen SR brands of sustained-release methylphenidate may be used by some people.
- Immediate release methylphenidate may also be used by some people.
For people who are currently treated with an extended-release methylphenidate: Please consider each person’s individual circumstances:
- Can they liaise with their usual pharmacy about whether they are expecting deliveries of their required strength of methylphenidate?
- Is the person’s prescribed strength expected to have an upcoming shortage?
- Is a treatment break an option?
- Is an alternative formulation of methylphenidate an appropriate temporary measure?
- Is an alternative formulation appropriate to switch to over a longer period?
- Do they have an appropriate special authority approval?
Pharmac has worked with its clinical advisors on information outlining dose equivalence and release profiles of different brands of methylphenidate.
We want to make sure that everyone who needs to know about this change is informed. Please share this information with your colleagues.
If you have questions about this, email [email protected]
********************
We appreciate the stress and frustration this sort of supply issue causes - ADHD New Zealand will keep you updated with further information from Pharmac, as it becomes available.
