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Written question asked by Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 January 2025 (named day). It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Monday, 27 January 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Methylphenidate: Shortages

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October to Question 9576 on Methylphenidate: Shortages, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the supply of methylphenidate for ADHD since October 2024.

Answer

The Department continues to work hard with industry and NHS England to help resolve the supply issues with some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines, which are affecting the United Kingdom and other countries around the world. As a result of intensive work, some issues have been resolved. All strengths of lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine capsules, atomoxetine oral solution, and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available.

However, whilst the supply of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets has improved since October 2024, issues persist. We are continuing to work to resolve these remaining issues by engaging with all suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets to assess the challenges faced and their actions to address them. We are also directing suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible, and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term. The Department is also working with new suppliers of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets to improve supply and resiliency for the UK market.

We are supporting an ADHD taskforce that NHS England has established to examine ADHD service provision. The taskforce will bring together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to help provide a joined-up approach in response to concerns around rising demand. In collaboration with NHS England’s national ADHD data improvement plan, we plan to combine modelling for future growth forecasts, which will be shared with industry to improve demand forecasting for ADHD medicines.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
25553
Session
2024-26
Related items
Methylphenidate: Shortages
Thursday, 24 October 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Methylphenidate: Shortages
Friday, 26 September 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
ADHD Shortages Methylphenidate
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk