Medication shortage severely impacting our area

[CentralTXMom]

Hello! I've had a hard time finding my daughter's methylphenidate in stock in our area in Central TX but today I've discovered it is nowhere to be found. I have a teenage daughter in high school who really needs her meds to be able to perform well at school & home. I'm really freaking out right now. From what I know, even other meds used to treat ADHD in our area are not available or have a very limited supply. We tried to switch her to Vyvanse once but she didn't like it and she's been on the same dose of methylphenidate for years now with great success. We are going to see her doctor soon to discuss what to do. However, I'm really at a loss of what options there can be with the lack of medicines available. I'm especially upset that she is doing well in school now (we've had some rocky times) and now her ability to maintain this level will be drastically reduced without access to her much-needed medicine. Is anyone else dealing with this? I'd love to hear your stories and what you are doing to support your teenager. Also, how can we as parents stay informed on what's happening with drug production/availability? I tried to talk to my pharmacist about it but they just say "nationwide shortage" and "we don't know when it will get better". Thanks.

[katcald]

In the same boat here. My daughter was only put on it a few months ago and is finally making progress. I don’t want to start all over agin with another med.

[Elijah1]

If she is on a long acting preparation, try the immediate release tablets (they last 4 hours each) or consider trying a dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) product if available. If this doesn't help, ask about the brand name methylphenidate products (either 8 hour or 12 hour preparations). If you have private insurance, they usually come with coupons that lower the cost.

[tripleteen]

Are all methylphenidate products not available? I would ask your doctor about QuilliChew or Quillivant (chewable tablets or liquid). There's also a new brand called Azstarys - it's the prodrug of dexmethyphenidate and it's combo immediate and extended release. It's not available on all insurance plans, but they have a copay assistance program. It's basically the Vyvanse of methylphenidates, so I would definitely talk to your doctor about it. Best of luck!

[Momtrying]

same boat here. I was able to find one bottle of brand name adderall this month but I’m scared to have to try something different if I can’t get it again. Good luck 👍

[Aloysia]

I would also ask if they have it available in a different preparation instead of a regular pill (liquid, chewable, patch). For example it's available in a patch called Daytrana. It's possible that the other preparations aren't as hard to find. If they do have it in stock, your Dr might need to change your prescription, but that's a small hoop to jump through.

Also, if they are out of a certain dosage, you might be able to combine other dosages (if no 30 mg pills, then take two 15 mg pills).

Wishing you the best!

[Hidden]

Have you tried Canadian pharmacies? I know for example that North West pharmacy online does ship prescribed medication to the US and it’s 10 dollars for shipping to US. When I sent them email with questions they replied in details so probably worth emailing them. They have good reviews on Trustpilot as well. I was told that they need original prescription scanned I think, they need a driving license or a passport to confirm identity of the person and some other stuff.

I was asking them about shipping to Europe and it’s just too complicated and not worth it but they basically have an ethos of providing cheaper medication for US so maybe you will be lucky with them, it seems it’s straight forward when it’s shipping to the US. However medication that you are asking is a controlled drug so it might be different legally and with customs so probably the pharmacy itself will know best how to advise you.

[MaudQ]

These are all great suggestions. Do try speaking with your prescriber as well. Our daughter’s psychiatrist was able to connect us to her hospital’s pharmacy when our local pharmacy was out.

[Onthemove1971]

We switched and seem to be ok. Not as good.

Here is some information:

instagram.com/reel/Cogff-Yp...

It has to do with the US government and thr shortage will.also be next year. It has to do with how much is produced and there was not enough this year.

Hope this helps.