ADHD medicines - supply shortage
Ongoing
atomoxetine
methylphenidate
lisdexamfetamine
ShortageHuman
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Shortage information
There is a shortage of the following medicines which are used to treat attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in some EEA (European Economic Area) countries:
- Atomoxetine
- Methylphenidate
- Lisdexamfetamine
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 EEA countries. These shortages are not related to a safety issue.
The shortage situation varies based on the medicine and the EU/EEA country in question.
This information may change. 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 the EEA country, the shortage may continue until the end of 2025.
EMA’s Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) and EMA’s shortages working party (Medicines Shortages Single Point of Contact – SPOC - working party) are closely monitoring the supply situation and engaging with the marketing authorisation holder and other stakeholders to mitigate the impact of the supply shortage.
The SPOC Working Party supports EMA’s MSSG and monitors and reports 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 their patients to another ADHD medicine, depending on availability.
- For additional information consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- You may also contact relevant healthcare professional organisations for further information. A list of European not-for-profit organisations EMA engages with can be found on the EMA website.
- Contact your pharmacy or doctor well before your current supply runs out.
- 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.
For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your 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 in various strengths
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- Expected resolution
- Depending on the medicine and the EEA country, the shortage may continue until the end of 2025.
- First published
- Last updated