ADHD Medication Shortages (December 2024)

There is currently a UK-wide shortage of many ADHD medications (which is also being experienced in the United States and other countries), which is affecting many patients with ADHD in the UK, whether the patient is in the NHS or the private sector. The Giaroli Centre shares any frustration you may be experiencing in finding a pharmacy that is in stock of your particular ADHD medication(s).If you are (or your child is) a patient of our centre then you are welcome to contact us and we can provide you with an outline of your options when you next submit a repeat prescription request via our website (dr.giaroli.org/prescriptions) or during your next appointment with your doctor.

Which ADHD medications are in shorter supply?

The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a National Patient Safety Alert on supply disruptions affecting various strengths of the following medications for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

Methylphenidate

Equasym XL® 10, 20 and 30 mg capsules
Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36 mg prolonged-release tablets
Concerta XL® 54 mg prolonged-release tablets
Xenidate XL® 27 mg prolonged-release tablets

Lisdexamfetamine

Elvanse® 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mg capsules
Elvanse® Adult 30, 50, and 70 mg capsules

Guanfacine

Intuniv® 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg prolonged-release tablets

These are in addition to the national supply issue with atomoxetine.

I’m affected, what steps can I take?

Firstly, please kindly ensure you are checking different pharmacies, often a 2nd or 3rd pharmacy may have stock.

Boots pharmacy provide an online stock checking tool here: boots.com/online/psc/

If you are (or your child is) a patient of The Giaroli Centre and are taking any of the above ADHD medications, you are welcome to contact us and we can provide you with an outline of your options when you next submit a repeat prescription request via our website (dr.giaroli.org/prescriptions) or during your next appointment with your doctor.

Ensure that your General Practitioner (GP) is aware that you are on the above ADHD medications.

Can I just switch to a different ADHD medication?

Potentially, yes. There are various medications that treat the symptoms of ADHD. You will however need to obtain clinical advice from one of our clinicians.

I’m on a Shared Care Agreement with my GP

If you (or your child is) on a Shared Care Agreement with your General Practitioner (GP) and your doctor at The Giaroli Centre, then please ensure your GP is made aware of the ADHD medication shortage situation if they are not aware already.

Please speak to your GP regarding any other options they may be able to assist you with.

Where can I find updates?

This webpage
Various UK and international news outlets
ADHD Foundation (a UK charity) www.adhdfoundation.org.uk
If you are (or your child is) a patient of The Giaroli Centre and are taking any of the above ADHD medications, you are welcome to contact us and we can provide you with an outline of your options when you next submit a repeat prescription request via our website (dr.giaroli.org/prescriptions) or during your next appointment with your doctor.

When will normal supply levels resume?

The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) currently advises that they anticipate that supply disruptions should resolve on various dates between October 2023 and December 2023.

What if I experience an emergency?

As we are an outpatient service, in the event of any emergency please ensure you attend your nearest A&E Hospital or attend your GP for an urgent appointment, or dial ‘999’ in the UK.

Why has this happened?

The UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) currently advises that the shortage of these ADHD medications is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. They further advise that other ADHD medications do remain available but that these other ADHD medication may also start to struggle to meet consequentially large increases in demand as patients around the UK start to switch ADHD medications.