ADHD medicines - supply shortage
Ongoing
atomoxetine
methylphenidate
lisdexamfetamine
Shortage
Human
Shortage information
Atomoxetine, methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are used to treat attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
There has been an unexpected increase in demand for medicines used to treat ADHD which cannot be met by the current manufacturing capacity. Together with other manufacturing issues for several ADHD medicines, this has led to shortages in some European countries. These shortages are not related to a safety issue.
The shortage situation depends on the actual medicine and the Member State in question. For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular Member State, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority. Depending on the medicine and EU Member State, the shortage may last through 2024.
EMA’s SPOC working party is closely monitoring the supply situation and engaging with the marketing authorisation holders to identify measures to mitigate the impact of the supply shortage. Summaries of the SPOC working party meetings can be found on EMA’s website. The SPOC working party is responsible for monitoring and reporting events that could affect the supply of medicines in the EU.
- Before starting treatment, healthcare professionals should ensure that sufficient supplies are available.
- If a patient’s regular ADHD medicine is not available, healthcare professionals should consider switching to another ADHD medicine for their patients, depending on availability.
- Additional advice may be available from your country’s national shortage register or national competent authority.
- Your doctor will check that there are sufficient supplies available before prescribing medication for you or your child’s ADHD.
- If your own or your child’s ADHD medication is not available, your doctor will discuss possible alternatives with you.
- If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Additional advice may be available from your country’s national shortage register or national competent authority.
Key facts
- Medicines affected
- ADHD medicines
- Supply shortage status
- Ongoing
- International non-proprietary name (INN) or common name
- atomoxetine
- methylphenidate
- lisdexamfetamine
- Therapeutic area (MESH)
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
- Pharmaceutical forms affected
- Various presentations including paediatric formulations and presentations
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- First published