PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Drugs (20 November 2023)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support her Department is offering to patients unable to access medication for ADHD.

Asked by:
Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat)

Answer

We are aware of disruptions to the supply of medicines used for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, primarily driven by issues which have resulted in capacity constraints at key manufacturing sites.

We have issued communications to the National Health Service to advise healthcare professionals on management of patients whilst there continue to be disruptions to supplies. Patients are advised to speak to their clinician regarding any concerns they have and to discuss the suitability of treatment with alternative medicines where necessary.

We understand how frustrating and distressing medicine shortages can be. We are working with the respective manufacturers to resolve the issues as soon as possible and meet with them very regularly to help ensure that action is taken to improve the availability of ADHD medicines in the United Kingdom, in the short, medium, and long term.


Answered by:
Andrew Stephenson (Conservative)
24 November 2023

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