Late last year, there were shortages of some common ADHD medications. At the time, focus was on the shortage itself, not on other solutions and medications currently available for children diagnosed with and seeking treatment for ADHD.
I had a chance to interview Dr. Ann Childress, internationally recognized expert in the treatment of ADHD . She is the President-elect of the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorder and has participated in more than 180 clinical trials with her research focused on the treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD.
Although the severity of the shortage isn't as bad as it was earlier, much of this information is still relevant!
What factors are contributing to a medication shortage? Manufacturing issues and increased demand are fueling the shortage of mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall and Adderall XR.). About half of the nine generic makers are currently reporting that the drugs are unavailable on the FDA Drug Shortages app.
It has been a difficult time for parents and caregivers and healthcare providers alike. Many times, I have had to send prescriptions to multiple pharmacies for patients to get medication—other times folks have had to wait weeks for generic medication or we have had to make a medication switch.
When might the supply be back to normal? The FDA app notes that some manufacturers predict availability at the end of March or April. Another manufacturer does not expect to have the product until the end of June.
What options are currently available now? There is a branded medication that is bioequivalent to Adderall XR. Bioequivalent means that the drugs have the same active ingredient and at equivalent doses are expected to have the same efficacy for patients. The available bioequivalent option, Adzenys XR-ODT®. is an oral disintegrating tablet formulation of d- and l- amphetamine. .
Adzenys XR-ODT® is available now, but may not be the first option a health care provider suggests because it’s a branded product and branded medications may not be on a person’s insurance formulary—so they may be more expensive. Adzenys XR-ODT® has a co-pay card that can make the medication more affordable.
What can families who have kids with ADHD do to continue to get the treatment they need? Do some research and talk with their health care provider. The health care provider may not know about the co-pay programs or banded medication availability.
I just looked at the websites for Adzenys XR-ODT® and the manufacturer of Adzenys XR-ODT® does have a co-pay program and The manufacturer is also partnering with some pharmacies and they have customer support listed on their website to contact if a patient has difficulty obtaining the medication.
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