Methylphenidate modified release tablet shortage
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) expects the shortage to affect the availability of methylphenidate modified release tablets until:
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 at this stage, however this will be reviewed closer to the time and extended if required.
The exemption is available on the
NSW Health Website.
NSW Health hospital pharmacy departments should follow business as usual processes to manage this medication shortage
This includes having backorders in place with regular wholesalers to ensure they receive stock as it becomes available, liaising with prescribers to switch patients to a suitable alternative if supply is unavailable and ensuring ongoing compliance with the requirements of the NSW Health Policy Directive Medication Handling (PD2022_032). Refer to the
CEC Medication Safety Updates table for the most up to date information.
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.
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