(DailyDig.com) – A shortage of the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Adderall has been an issue for nearly one year, according to Michael Ganio, director of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Originally, pharmaceuticals tried to increase their production of the drug, but a complication was realized as Adderall contains a controlled ingredient that is under the control of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Ganio said that the DEA sets a limit to the amount of the controlled ingredient they are able to produce during a specific time frame. The manufacturers must seek DEA approval to increase the limit.
Pharmacies have tried working with families to provide the drugs they need. Adderall or other medications for ADHD, such as Ritalin, and generic brands are also in short supply, according to Mike Koelzer, owner of a Michigan pharmacy. He stated that when they are unable to supply the medications, people are forced to search for other pharmacies for their needs.
US manufacturers state that they are making as much as possible within the DEA guidelines, but the search for the medication is still happening. Dr. Jennifer Holten, a child psychiatrist at Emory University, said that children experience a return of ADHD symptoms as they run out of their supply of medications. The symptoms that these children experience can cause them harm or even death, according to Dr. Holten.
The FDA has predicted that treatments for ADHD during 2024 may see an increase of nearly 3.1 percent in usage of methylphenidate, amphetamine, and lisdexamfetamine if a solution for the lack of Adderall and other medications is not found.
They also stated that a possible contribution to the shortages could be the increased use of telemedicine, quality in manufacturing issues, issues with the supply chain, and manufacturers’ decisions in running their businesses.
Currently, the drug manufacturers and the DEA are facing a standoff. Manufacturers believe that a greater supply of the controlled ingredients must be released by the DEA. The DEA states that manufacturers haven’t run out of the supply that they currently have.
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