National shortage of medicines for ADHD
The Department for Health and Social Care has notified us about a disruption to the supply of some medicines used to manage ADHD symptoms.
The following medicines are affected:
Methylphenidate
- Equasym XL® 10, 20, and 30mg
- Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36mg
- Concerta XL® 54mg
- Xenidate XL® 27mg
Lisdexamfetamine
- Elvanse® 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70mg
- Elvanse® Adult 30, 50 and 70mg
Guanfacine
- Intuniv® 1, 2, 3 and 4mg
If you have been prescribed any of these medicines, you should continue to take them as instructed. Please do not share medicines with anyone else.
Anyone who is currently waiting to start these ADHD medications will not receive a prescription until stocks are available.
The disruption is caused by manufacturing issues and increased global demand. Currently, we expect the supply disruptions to be resolved by December 2023, although this may change.
If you have concerns, please contact your care coordinator or the clinician who prescribes your medication.
Prescribers can access information from specialist services here.
Please see the prescribing guide for information about treating patients whilst the medication shortage continues: Prescriber Guidelines (PDF)
