EXPIRED ADHD medication shortage

The 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*
• Lisdexamfetamine
• Guanfacine

A full list of products affected is available at CAS-ViewAlert

The supply disruption is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. Other ADHD products remain available but cannot meet excessive increases in demand.

At present, the supply disruptions are expected to resolve at various dates between October and December 2023.

There may therefore be children and young people who have had to change their medication, may be missing doses, or where treatment breaks are planned or enforced as a result of the current situation which will have an impact on how they are able to manage that is highly likely to impact on how they cope with school.