Pharmac supply issue: Methylphenidate ER tablets (Concerta and Teva)

From the end of August, there are expected gaps in supply of both the Concerta and Teva brands of extended-release (ER) methylphenidate. Pharmac is anticipating there will be times when people will not be able to access either brand. 

Please consider treatment alternatives now to preserve the brands of extended-release methylphenidate for people who need it the most.

There is a New Zealand-wide shortage of extended-release methylphenidate, both Concerta and Methylphenidate ER - Teva brands.

Current outlook

In late August to early September, Pharmac expect there will be an outage of the 27mg and 54mg strengths of the Teva and the Concerta brands of extended-release methylphenidate. They also expect the 18mg and 36mg strengths of both brands of extended-release methylphenidate to go out of stock for a one-to-two-week period in mid-October.

Pharmac expect some people may not be able to access their medication and alternative ADHD treatments will be required. They have a supply issue webpage which will be updated as more information becomes available: Methylphenidate ER tablets: Supply issue. 

Information for prescribers

Pharmac has received clinical advice, which can be used at your discretion.

For people new to ADHD treatments: please do not start any new patients on extended-release methylphenidate unless absolutely necessary. Instead consider alternative, shorter duration, methylphenidate formulations.

• The 8-hour formulations Ritalin LA or Rubifen SR brands of sustained-release methylphenidate may be used by some people.
• Immediate release methylphenidate may also be used by some people.

For people who are currently treated with an extended-release methylphenidate: Please consider each person’s individual circumstances.

• Can they liaise with their usual pharmacy about whether they are expecting deliveries of their required strength of methylphenidate?
• Is the person’s prescribed strength expected to have an upcoming shortage?
• Is a treatment break an option?
• Is an alternative formulation of methylphenidate an appropriate temporary measure? 
• Is an alternative formulation appropriate to switch to over a longer period?
• Do they have an appropriate special authority approval?

Pharmac has worked with its clinical advisors on information outlining dose equivalence and release profiles of different presentations of methylphenidate. 

If you have questions about this, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz.  

Dose calculator

This calculator may help support dose change decisions - be aware it is a USA resource with a wider range of medications than available here, and as there is an overall lack of data regarding most conversions and a significant degree of interpatient variability. For this reason, reasonable clinical judgment, and individual dose titration are of paramount importance.