Why are ADHD drugs so hard to find?

[Anonymous]

This past spring we were forced to stop Quillivant since it was no longer available. Since then, we’ve tried a number of different drugs, some with mixed results. Unfortunately, every time we find something that we like, we find ourselves needing to change due to supply issues. For example, we were on metadate ER for a month this summer, but then couldn’t find a pharmacy that could fill our prescription, so we switched to metadate CD. That worked for two months, until one pharmacy couldn’t fill it anymore, so we found another that could — until we were told last week that all suppliers didn’t have it anymore. So the doctor prescribed Ritalin LA, and the pharmacist assured me they could fill it — three days ago, though each day “it has not come in yet.” I was finally told to drive to VA to get it (we live in DC).

So why are there constant supply issues with ADHD drugs?

The regulation issues make this all the more challenging, since the doctor can’t phone in a new prescription when the drug we’re looking for is out of stock.

[Anonymous]

It’s not just ADHD drugs. Generic manufacturers are constantly playing games with supply to inflate prices.

[Anonymous]

I have been through the same drama. It is incredibly frustrating to deal with supply issues on one side with the fact that you can’t fill a prescription early meaning unless a pharmacy has the medicine in a 3 day window, you miss out.The only reliable pharmacy for ADHD meds is Costco. They have it every single time and we have never had an issue.

[Anonymous]

A number of drug corps had production facilities in Puerto Rico that were destroyed by Maria.

[Anonymous]

The pharmacy at Children’s hospital is well stocked. So is Brookville Pharmacy.

[Anonymous]

same problem with Adderall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A number of drug corps had production facilities in Puerto Rico that were destroyed by Maria.

That is the case with quillvant. Don’t know about the others.

I also want to know why it is so hard to figure out which drug/dose to use for efficacy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The pharmacy at Children’s hospital is well stocked. So is Brookville Pharmacy.

OP here. Unfortunately, schlepping to these pharmacies on a regular basis is not an option. There are a dozen pharmacies within a mile from my house. It’s not unreasonable for me to want at least one of the 12 to be able to fill my prescriptions.

[Anonymous]

Can you use a mail order phamarcy? You have to sign for it though. I have it sent to DHs office.

[Anonymous]

I just wish there was a way to find out before going if they have the medication.

[Anonymous]

Or switch to a more available drug? My DS has been on vyvannse for 6 years and I've never once been told they are out of my medicine --and I get the meds at my local Rite Aid in Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The pharmacy at Children’s hospital is well stocked. So is Brookville Pharmacy.

OP here. Unfortunately, schlepping to these pharmacies on a regular basis is not an option. There are a dozen pharmacies within a mile from my house. It’s not unreasonable for me to want at least one of the 12 to be able to fill my prescriptions.

But if they don't or can't for whatever reason, you need to find a reliable alternative. IMO going out of your way and getting what you need the first time is better than driving from store to store getting frustrated. Are there any independent or compounding pharmacies near you? For whatever reason I've found them to be more reliable.

I agree with another poster that mail order may be a better option for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can you use a mail order phamarcy? You have to sign for it though. I have it sent to DHs office.

This. Anyone taking any long-term medication should be using their insurance's home delivery pharmacy. It is cheaper and so much easier than schlepping to the pharmacy. My kid has been on Ritalin LA for three years and I have never once experienced these supply problems. We have Cigna insurance and use Cigna Home Delivery pharmacy. By doing mail order I save one co-pay over three months. The psychiatrist writes the paper RX for 90 days (they won't fill 30 day supplies and you usually have to remind them about the length of time). You mail it in with the form and 10 days later your meds show up. If your doc's practice is very tech friendly they can send it electronically. My internist sends the order for me and my blood pressure meds show up magically. You do have to sign for controlled substances as pp said. Everything else goes in the mail box. I have no idea how people put up with month pharmacy visits. I thought I would lose my mind when I was on BCPs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A number of drug corps had production facilities in Puerto Rico that were destroyed by Maria.

This has been a problem with ADHD meds long before Maria.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I can’t do mail-order, since nobody is available to sign for it at home. Moreover, my husband and I are both Feds who work in bldgs that screen mail for security reasons, so we can’t receive packages at work.

Yes, I keep on trying to find a medication that’s available. Maybe I’ll ask about Vyvance, but I’m sure as soon as we go on it there will be a shortage.

And I do try with private pharmacies. We’re on Capitol Hill and use Grubbs, which overall is excellent. But when they couldn’t get metdate we found that Harris aTeeter could, until they couldn’t either.