TOLEDO, Ohio — Since the pandemic, people have struggled to access their ADHD medication - Concerta, Vyvanse, and the most well known, Adderall. The shortage is affecting people all across the nation, including in northwest Ohio.
Philip Nelson, Director of Pharmacy Services for Mercy Health, said that the shortage was initially caused when manufacturers in China and India were forced to shut down during the pandemic.
Nelson said the increased demand and supply chain issues have contributed to the shortage which has continued into 2024.
“The demand for the ingredients were high, they weren’t able to provide it, that really contributed to the shortage," said Nelson.
He said that within the last year, the demand has risen 3.1%, and that most patients are not willing to switch to a new medication.
“I feel for the patients and their families, their children because it’s difficult to switch to something else because you may be stabilized. You may be stabilized and you don’t want to switch,” said Nelson.
According to an article by New York Magazine, 600 million people go without their medication every year.
“It really is challenging overall. Whether it’s your traditional retail pharmacy setting or in the hospital. Where we work, we’re challenged with drug shortages every day," said Nelson.
Morgan Sokol, a student at Bowling Green State University, was first diagnosed with ADHD last summer. She said that she hasn’t even been able to get her prescription filled.
“I’m trying to get my prescription filled, but it’s delayed right now, so I’m hoping soon," said Sokol. “I’m kind of stressed because I still have some left but I'm hoping to get it soon so that I don’t run out of my old one.”
She said that while this is the first time it’s been an issue, anyone should be able to get the medication they need.
“I can’t imagine going through that because I’ve only been on it for a short period of time, but it’s helped so much. So I can’t imagine almost relying on that medication and not being able to access it because of the stress it probably causes," said Sokol.
Nelson said production is expected to increase this year and hopes that will help increase accessibility. He said that if for whatever reason patients are unable to get what they need, they should try to find another option.
“What we do is try to find ways to try to find the medication using alternative ways. If not, then we look for those substitute type medications that could be effectively used in place of the Adderall," said Nelson.
While the shortage is nationwide, Nelson said that in Toledo, pharmacies are currently stocked and patients shouldn't experience any issues.
“So, you may look across the country in a particular pocket. There might be an issue with getting Adderall medications, where somewhere else, it’s less of an issue, said Nelson.
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