Supply issue with ADHD medication methylphenidate Teva
UPDATE from Pharmac
01 November 2023
Subject: Re supply of Methylphenidate ER - Teva
In late September 2023, Pharmac notified the sector of a supply issue associated with all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva.
Clinical Advice indicated that patients currently receiving Teva ER methylphenidate could be substituted directly to the Concerta brand to bridge the supply gap.
Pharmac worked with the sector to support this transition by issuing new Special Authority for people currently taking Methylphenidate ER – Teva which allowed them to be dispensed Concerta. On 26 October 2023, Teva informed Pharmac that stock of all strengths of Methylphenidate ER – Teva will be available in the supply chain again by mid to late November.
Patients who have moved to the Concerta brand of methylphenidate due to this supply issue can transition back as Teva as stock becomes available.
Actions for dispensers
Methylphenidate ER – Teva will become available from early November onwards. Teva ER 27mg and 54mg will be available from early November and 18mg and 36mg Teva ER strengths will be available from mid-November.
Patients originally prescribed the Teva brand who have moved to Concerta due to this supply issue can be transitioned back to Teva as soon as stock becomes available.
Patients originally prescribed Concerta should remain the priority for this brand dispensing to ensure continuity of supply of Concerta.
There is likely to be Concerta supply pressures if all people originally taking Methylphenidate ER - Teva remain on Concerta.
Patients will continue to have a relevant Special Authority number for both Methylphenidate ER – Teva and Concerta during this transition until the supply issue is fully resolved.
Actions for prescribers
Some patients may still wish to visit their prescribing healthcare practitioner if they have questions about the treatment they should be using.
Teva ER methylphenidate can once again be prescribed to patients initiating treatment.
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Notice from Pharmac
29 September 2023
Notice from Pharmac: Supply issue with Methylphenidate ER - Teva
There is a supply issue with a brand of methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD which may mean some people have to switch to a new brand.
On 13 September 2023 Teva informed Pharmac of a significant shortage of all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva tablets 18, 27, 36 & 54 mg.
This means some people using this medicine may need to transition to another brand of methylphenidate (Concerta or Rubifen SR) until the supply issues are resolved.
Methylphenidate is a Class B2 controlled medicine, so it is subject to prescribing restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Pharmac has arranged for all people with a current Special Authority for Methylphenidate ER - Teva to also have one for the Concerta brand.
What this means for people taking Methylphenidate ER - Teva
When you visit your pharmacy for a repeat, you may be informed of the need to change to a different brand of methylphenidate.
Pharmac has received clinical advice that this brand change is safe, however if you have any concerns, please contact your GP practice. There will be no cost for this if it is required.
Methylphenidate ER – Teva is approved as a generic version of Concerta. A switch to Concerta should not require a new prescription or change in dose.
Rubifen SR is not a generic version of Methylphenidate ER – Teva and a new prescription and dose adjustment would be needed from your prescriber which may be your GP in the first instance.
To find out more in Pharmac's announcement and subsequent updates on their website.
01 November 2023
Subject: Re supply of Methylphenidate ER - Teva
In late September 2023, Pharmac notified the sector of a supply issue associated with all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva.
Clinical Advice indicated that patients currently receiving Teva ER methylphenidate could be substituted directly to the Concerta brand to bridge the supply gap.
Pharmac worked with the sector to support this transition by issuing new Special Authority for people currently taking Methylphenidate ER – Teva which allowed them to be dispensed Concerta. On 26 October 2023, Teva informed Pharmac that stock of all strengths of Methylphenidate ER – Teva will be available in the supply chain again by mid to late November.
Patients who have moved to the Concerta brand of methylphenidate due to this supply issue can transition back as Teva as stock becomes available.
Actions for dispensers
Methylphenidate ER – Teva will become available from early November onwards. Teva ER 27mg and 54mg will be available from early November and 18mg and 36mg Teva ER strengths will be available from mid-November.
Patients originally prescribed the Teva brand who have moved to Concerta due to this supply issue can be transitioned back to Teva as soon as stock becomes available.
Patients originally prescribed Concerta should remain the priority for this brand dispensing to ensure continuity of supply of Concerta.
There is likely to be Concerta supply pressures if all people originally taking Methylphenidate ER - Teva remain on Concerta.
Patients will continue to have a relevant Special Authority number for both Methylphenidate ER – Teva and Concerta during this transition until the supply issue is fully resolved.
Actions for prescribers
Some patients may still wish to visit their prescribing healthcare practitioner if they have questions about the treatment they should be using.
Teva ER methylphenidate can once again be prescribed to patients initiating treatment.
****************************
Notice from Pharmac
29 September 2023
Notice from Pharmac: Supply issue with Methylphenidate ER - Teva
There is a supply issue with a brand of methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD which may mean some people have to switch to a new brand.
On 13 September 2023 Teva informed Pharmac of a significant shortage of all strengths of Methylphenidate ER - Teva tablets 18, 27, 36 & 54 mg.
This means some people using this medicine may need to transition to another brand of methylphenidate (Concerta or Rubifen SR) until the supply issues are resolved.
Methylphenidate is a Class B2 controlled medicine, so it is subject to prescribing restrictions under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Pharmac has arranged for all people with a current Special Authority for Methylphenidate ER - Teva to also have one for the Concerta brand.
What this means for people taking Methylphenidate ER - Teva
When you visit your pharmacy for a repeat, you may be informed of the need to change to a different brand of methylphenidate.
Pharmac has received clinical advice that this brand change is safe, however if you have any concerns, please contact your GP practice. There will be no cost for this if it is required.
Methylphenidate ER – Teva is approved as a generic version of Concerta. A switch to Concerta should not require a new prescription or change in dose.
Rubifen SR is not a generic version of Methylphenidate ER – Teva and a new prescription and dose adjustment would be needed from your prescriber which may be your GP in the first instance.
To find out more in Pharmac's announcement and subsequent updates on their website.
