GPs asked to contact ADHD patients to discuss medicines shortage

Prescribers should not start any new patients on some ADHD medicines because of a national shortage, the Department for Health and Social Care has warned.

GPs are also being asked to identify and contact all patients currently prescribed the medicines to ensure they have supplies to last.

A national patient safety alert said there were ‘supply disruptions’ of various strengths of methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine.

It follows a previous alert about shortages of atomoxetine capsules in August which is set to resolve next month, DHSC said.

The shortages are due to a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand, the alert explained.

With the latest issues expected to continue to December for some medicines, new patients should not be started on the products affected by shortages until the supply issue resolves, the guidance sent to healthcare professionals said.

Where patients do not have enough to last until the re-supply date – which differs depending on the medicine in question – GPs are being asked to contact pharmacies to find out about stocks and reach out to the patient’s specialist team for advice if a product cannot be sourced.

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Source: Pulse, 28 September 2023