Methylphenidate: Supply issue

There has been a global supply issue

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

Rising demand for methylphenidate coupled with overseas manufacturing issues led to long-term problems with supply of the medicine. Other countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, also experienced issues.

Pharmac funds multiple brands

To ensure people can continue to access methylphenidate, Pharmac has funded a range of immediate release and longer-acting versions of methylphenidate.

To help manage costs for the health system, some brands should be tried first (first-line). If those aren't effective people can try the second-line brands. To access these medicines, a prescriber needs to apply for a special authority. 

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

Prescribing health care professionals

BPACnz's advice on psychostimulant prescribing for ADHD. It includes a section on switching regimens when a preferred brand is not available.

Pharmacological management of ADHD in adults and children: a new frontier for primary care | BPAC(external link)

Use caution if switching between long-acting methylphenidate products due to formulation differences | Medsafe(external link)

Who to contact

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

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.  

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