Methylphenidate: Supply issue

This is a global supply issue

Pharmac is working closely with suppliers and clinicians to manage an ongoing, global issue affecting methylphenidate. Methylphenidate is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Rising demand for methylphenidate coupled with overseas manufacturing issues have led to ongoing problems with supply of the medicine. Australia and the United Kingdom are also experiencing supply issues with methylphenidate.

Supply constraint will continue into 2026

These issues are likely to continue into 2026. There may be periods where people will not be able to get the brand of methylphenidate they normally use. There may also be times where people have to wait for more stock to arrive at their local pharmacy.

Next shipments

This table represents the stock held by suppliers. It may not reflect the stock available at wholesalers or pharmacies. Your pharmacist may not have any stock. Please be patient.

We expect some people may not be able to access their usual brand or form of methylphenidate and alternative treatments will be needed. 

People who take methylphenidate

You may not be able to get your usual brand

You may not be able to get the brand of methylphenidate you normally use. There may also be times when you have to wait for more stock to arrive at your local pharmacy.

Although some products may come back into stock, supply chains remain fragile. Products may only be available temporarily and may go out of stock at short notice.

Different brands will work differently in your body

There are differences between how each of the longer acting brands work in your body. These differences will affect everyone in a different way. If you experience any changes, please talk to the person who prescribed your medicine. 

Calling around pharmacies

If you cannot get your ADHD prescription from your usual pharmacy, try other pharmacies who may have it in stock.  Please remember that this shortage affects all of New Zealand so it still may not be possible to get a supply of your medicine.

If you are unable to fill your prescription after trying a few different pharmacies, contact the person who prescribed the medication for advice. This may be your GP or your nurse prescriber.

You can only do this with a new prescription and you cannot transfer repeats between pharmacies.

Health professionals are trying to help

Your pharmacist or doctor is not responsible for the lack of medicines. They will be trying to do what they can to help you.

Getting more information

Pharmac is working with ADHD NZ to answer your questions. You can read the common questions and answers on the ADHD NZ website

Methylphenidate shortages FAQs | ADHD NZ website(external link)

We're sorry

It is hard when the medicine you are taking is not available – we want you to know that Pharmac is doing everything we can to improve the situation. 

Prescribing health care professionals

More information:

Prescribing health professionals: Managing methylphenidate supply issues

ADHD prescribing changes – from 1 February 2026

Special Authority details for ADHD treatments

Pharmacists

More information:

Pharmacists: Managing methylphenidate supply issues

ADHD prescribing changes – from 1 February 2026

Special Authority details for ADHD treatments

Who to contact

If you take methylphenidate, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this supply issue.

If you have questions about the funding of methylphenidate, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.  

Sign up to our email list for regular emails about supply issues and more(external link)

Pharmac is a government agency. We do not sell medicines or related products.