'We just can't function': Serious shortage leaves Aussies with ADHD stockpiling medication

Desperate Australian families say they can't cope without a common medication while others are hoarding it in order to survive.

The shortage of the popular Concerta drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is having a big impact around the country.

"We just can't function. They can't function without that medication," Ruth told A Current Affair.

READ MORE: Kat met her rapist face-to-face in prison. Now she wants others to do the same

Ruth was only diagnosed with ADHD when she was completing the questionnaire on behalf of her two children.

Now all three of them rely on Concerta.

"We've just been stashing away our leftovers to get us through," she said.

About one in 20 people in Australia has ADHD.

The upsurge in diagnoses has smashed the popular Concerta global supply.

ADHD drugs can only be prescribed by a specialist and for many switching medication is an emotional and financial roller coaster.

"When I'm not on Concerta, it just feels like I'm all over the place," 17-year-old Kai told A Current Affair.

Concerta manufacturer Johnson announced the postponement of a new shipment of Concerta from May until December.

Watch the full video in the player above.

FULL JOHNSON & JOHNSON STATEMENT

At Johnson & Johnson (Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd), our first responsibility is to the patients and healthcare professionals who use our products.

We are experiencing constrained supply of 18mg, 27mg, 36 mg and 54 mg strengths of branded CONCERTA® in Australia.

We recognise that many patients rely on CONCERTA® and we are closely monitoring the supply to minimise any potential impact.

FULL THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been notified about shortages of methylphenidate hydrochloride modified-release tablets, including various strengths of the Concerta brand and Methylphenidate-Teva brand.

The shortage of Concerta is a global issue due to manufacturing problems, while the shortage of Methylphenidate-Teva is caused by an unexpected increase in demand due to the shortage of other methylphenidate products.

Please note that Ritalin LA, a modified-release capsule formulation of methylphenidate, is currently not in shortage.

Further information about these shortages, including information about when they are expected to end, is available on our website.

Please note that this information can change. If it does, the TGA will update our information accordingly.

To help minimise the impact on Australian patients, the TGA has approved the supply of overseas alternatives for many strengths of methylphenidate under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.

Pharmacists can call Medsurge Healthcare on 1300 788 261 to enquire about supply of equivalent overseas-registered methylphenidate products, and can supply these products to patients using their existing prescription.

However, it should be noted that these overseas-registered products are not PBS-subsidised.

Where the TGA has authorised supply of an alternative product under Section 19A, the Government works with the sponsor of that product to expedite subsidisation of that brand through the PBS.

However, sponsors are private entities that make their own decisions regarding their products and cannot be compelled by the Government to list a product on the PBS. 

The TGA considers various aspects of a shortage when assessing section 19A applications, including the length of the shortage at the time of assessment, and generally aligns any approval granted with the relevant shortage period.

However, as shortages are dynamic situations, the TGA works with section 19A sponsors to facilitate ongoing access when shortage periods are extended by medicine sponsors.

We urge patients and families who are affected by these shortages to speak with their health professionals for advice.