Global shortage of ADHD meds means some patients may miss out

Despite GPs being trained to prescribe and diagnose ADHD, global shortages of medication have left New Zealand's persistently low supplies even more in jeopardy.

Pharmac updated its shipment delivery dates on May 1, and of 21 medications listed, 17 had delivery dates marked “to be confirmed".

Medications included short and long-acting methylphenidate formulations, such as Concerta, Ritalin, Rubifen, Sandoz, and Teva.

The update also warned there was a limited supply in the country, and that pharmacists or wholesalers may not have any stock of usual brands. Alternative treatments may be needed, it said.

Dr Jamie Shepher, Freeman Bay Medical Centre’s medical director & practice GP, said this has created challenges for the practice as doctors did not know the levels of supplies at pharmacies.

“Whilst we can see what the pharmacist says is available, we don't have access to live information that the pharmacies use.”

Since February 1, GPs have been able to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD despite ongoing medication shortages.

As a result, Shepher said he was concerned GPs were not always able to help patients.

“The shortage has been ongoing now for quite a long time, and it is particularly distressing for patients who were already on treatments previously.

“There's a genuine concern that as we expand prescribing access, we don't match that with assistance.”

He said more funding should go toward helping minority groups and the underprivileged.

“It would've been nicer to see funding, particularly for those who are community service card holders or Māori [and] Pasifika, so you know, access could be even more equitable.”

In its announcement, Pharmac warned people they potentially would not be able to take their regularly prescribed medications.

“You may not be able to get the brand of methylphenidate you normally use. There may also be times when you have to wait for more stock to arrive at your local pharmacy.

“Although some products may come back into stock, supply chains remain fragile. Products may only be available temporarily and may go out of stock at short notice.”

It also warned that different branded medications could react differently with people's bodies.

Wellington ADHD coach Jayne Fox said the implications of not having access to their usual branded medication would affect people's quality of life.

“Without the medication, they may have less capacity to be able to take those steps to actually use the skills that they're learning in coaching.

“In the situation, I'd be helping them to advocate for themselves . . . [it's] also really scary to think that you know you may not have access to something that is helping you do your job or help you get on with your studies.”

She also emphasised the need for funding for coaching to further help people during this situation.

“I think it would be ideal if people would be able to access coaching . . . because at the moment the options are medication, therapy, which you'd need to pay for, and ADHD coaching, which you'd need to pay for.

“If there was funding available in those kinds of supports . . . then in my view that would be fantastic.”

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