Parents in Redwood City, California are facing a challenging situation as shortages of ADHD medication continue to plague the area. Kristin Coronado recently opened up about her struggle to find medication for her son, Dom, who relies on a generic version of dexmethylphenidate, sold under the brand name Focalin XR and made by Lannett.
Coronado described the experience of pharmacy shopping as feeling like a drug dealer, as she contacted 25 local pharmacies regularly in an effort to fill her son’s prescription. Despite U.S. drugmakers claiming they are producing all they can, patients and doctor’s offices are still struggling to find the medication, leaving families like Coronado’s in a difficult position.
Child psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Holten warned of the consequences of untreated ADHD symptoms when patients cannot access their medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) predicts a 3.1% increase in the medical use of ADHD drugs in the U.S. by 2024, citing factors such as telemedicine growth and supply chain issues as contributing to the shortages.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets caps on the production of ADHD treatments each year, leading to a standoff between drugmakers and the DEA on the release of controlled substances. Lannett, the manufacturer of Dom’s medication, and the DEA have not commented on the shortages, leaving families like Coronado’s in a state of uncertainty.
Fortunately, Coronado was able to track down a refill for Dom’s medication, providing temporary relief for at least another month. However, the ongoing shortages highlight the importance of access to medication for children with ADHD and the challenges that families face in ensuring their children receive the care they need.
