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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Said. Demand for such medications is high and supply low. In addition, some insurers only provide coverage for in-network pharmacies, regardless of the ability of other providers outside such networks to fill prescriptions."If the insurance dictates where you get your pills, and that pharmacy doesn't have the pills or that pharmacy chain in your area doesn't have those pills, you're out of luck," Goodman said.Patients as DetectivesTo get prescriptions filled, patients must "turn into detectives," Laurie Kulikosky, CEO of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, told Medscape Medical News. "It's a huge stressor."Tracking which ADHD medications are available, on back order, or discontinued requires frequent checking of the FDA's drug shortages website.Some manufacturers of generic versions of mixed amphetamine salts are only fulfilling orders for existing contracts, while others say new product won't be available until at least April or as late as September. All blame the delay on the shortage of active ingredients.Teva, which makes both the brand and generic of Adderall, reported on the FDA's site that its manufacturing and distribution is at record-high levels, but demand continues to rise.The branded Concerta is available, but some makers of generic methylphenidate reported supplies won't be available until July.Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in almost all dosages is either unavailable, available in restricted quantities, or on extended back order. However, the branded product Vyvanse is available.Industry, Government RespondIn a November 2023 statement, the DEA reported that 17 of 18 drug manufacturers the agency contacted planned to use their full DEA quota and increase production for that year. The agency said it had made it easier for manufacturers to request changes in allocations and that periodically updating quotas was a possibility.Medscape Medical News asked the DEA whether any manufacturers had not met their 2023 quotas, but an agency spokesperson said it would not comment.An FDA spokesperson said it could help manufacturers ask for bigger quotas and to increase production, noting that in 2023, the DEA increased the quota for methylphenidate following an FDA request."The FDA is in frequent communication with the manufacturers of ADHD stimulant medications and the DEA, and we will continue to monitor supply," the spokesperson said.For 2024, the FDA told the DEA that it predicted a 3.1% increase in use of amphetamine, methylphenidate (including dexmethylphenidate), and lisdexamfetamine. The DEA took that into account when it issued its final quotas for 2024. Whether those amounts will be enough remains to be seen.With many drugs — not just those for ADHD — in short supply, in February, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry of sorts, seeking comments on how middlemen and others were influencing pricing and supply of generic drugs."When you're prescribed
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