Methylphenidate modified release tablet shortage
The
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) expects the shortage to affect the availability of methylphenidate modified release tablets until:
- June 2025 – Concerta®
- January 2026 – Methylphenidate-Teva®
Other forms of methylphenidate medicines, such as immediate release tablets and modified release capsules, remain available at this stage, as do other medications used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
NSW Health has established a temporary measure to assist patients to source supply of medication from an alternative pharmacy during the medication shortage
NSW Health will exempt community pharmacists from the requirement to retain prescriptions and repeats for methylphenidate modified release tablets (Concerta® and Methylphenidate-Teva®) when dispensed. The exemption enables pharmacists to release previously dispensed prescriptions and repeats for these medicines to patients to assist them to source ongoing medication supply when their usual pharmacy is unable to obtain the medicines due to the shortage.
The exemption will be in place until 30 June 2025, however this will be reviewed closer to the time and extended if required.
The
exemption is available to download.
Other pathways to enable continued access during medication shortages for Schedule 8 medicines in the community setting
Pharmacists may source medicines from another pharmacy
The Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation allows a pharmacist to source any medicine (including a Schedule 8 medicine) from another pharmacist to fill an order for a customer. The pharmacist sourcing the medicine must provide a written and signed order to the other pharmacist.
Encourage the use of electronic prescriptions
- Electronic prescriptions are a convenient alternative to paper prescriptions for many people. A patient can choose to have their electronic prescription and repeats dispensed at different pharmacies.
- The use of electronic prescription is subject to consumer and health practitioner discretion.
Further information
For further information and general guidance about managing medication shortages, visit the
TGA Shortages webpage