Health recommends that family doctors change treatments due to shortages of drugs for ADHD

Recently, the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (Aemps), dependent on the Ministry of Health, has reported on the shortage of drugs to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, supply problems occur with medications that contain methylphenidate in the form of extended-release tablets. After reaching a consensus with scientific societies and medical associations, the Aemps has issued a series of recommendations to address this problem, which include advising health professionals to start new treatments with the available methylphenidate presentations (in immediate-release tablets and capsules). modified release), as well as that Primary Care doctors, without having to wait for the consultation of hospital specialists, assess the change of treatment to available presentations in patients who are already under treatment and whose drugs present shortage.

According to the Aemps, there are currently units of these prolonged-release tablets in all doses that ensure the short-term maintenance of the treatments started, but the forecast of receiving units in the coming months compromises the start of new treatments with this formulation. . As the agency recently stated in an information note, the shortage will continue during the first quarter of 2025.

The Aemps, as reported this Thursday, is in contact with the laboratories of these medications to ensure supply and will promptly report any change in the situation. Its recommendations, agreed upon with the Spanish Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AEPNyA), the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) and the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SEPSM), are intended for both adults and children who need of these treatments.

In addition to the above, Aemps also recommends, at the discretion of the prescribing physician, to consider the possibility of changing to extended-release methylphenidate with a different release profile, as well as immediate-release tablets.

For patients who do not find their treatment available, it is recommended that they go to the Primary Care doctor so that he or she can evaluate the change to other available medication presentations.