News
ADHD med shortage set to end
Supplies of lisdexamfetamine dimesilate should return to normal levels by the end of April, the TGA has advised.
While the remaining shortages should be resolved by the end of the month, the TGA has said dates may change.
An ongoing shortage of the ADHD medication lisdexamfetamine dimesilate (sold as Vyvanse) is expected to end by 30 April, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Supplies of the 30 mg and 50 mg products have already returned to normal levels, while the squeeze on 40 mg and 60 mg strengths – currently experiencing limited availability – should also be resolved by 30 April. To date, the supply of lisdexamfetamine dimesilate 20 mg and 70 mg strengths have not been impacted.
The shortage began in December 2023, when the medication’s sponsor, Takeda Pharmaceuticals Australia notified the TGA about the limited availability of some strengths due to manufacturing delays and increased demand.
Lisdexamfetamine dimesilate is primarily used to treat serious conditions such as ADHD and binge eating disorder.
The TGA has approved the supply of an overseas-registered alternative to Vyvanse 60 mg to help bridge the gap until supplies return to normal. However, this product is not listed on the PBS and is significantly more expensive than the Australian product.
In the meantime, prescribers have also been asked to consider the shortages when initiating new patients on lisdexamfetamine dimesilate.
‘If you can limit initiations in this shortage period, this will help preserve available supply for existing patients to maintain continuity of their treatment,’ the regulator stated.
‘Pharmacists, patients and carers may contact you to authorise alternative strengths of Vyvanse or substitute medicines to treat their condition.
‘We acknowledge the difficulties involved in the prescribing of controlled drugs and the extra administrative workload these shortages have caused.’
Pharmacists have also been told to prioritise the dispensing of lisdexamfetamine dimesilate to ongoing patients where possible, in an effort to maintain continuity of treatment.
While the remaining shortages should be resolved by the end of April, the TGA has said dates may change and will vary for different strengths.
GPs are advised to visit the Medicine Shortage Reports database for the most up-to-date information.
Log in below to join the conversation.
ADHD lisdexamfetamine dimesilate medicines shortage TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration Vyvanse
newsGP weekly poll
Which RACGP request would you most like the Government to fund in the upcoming Federal Budget?