A nationwide shortage of medications to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has forced some patients to shell out hundreds more for expensive brand-name alternatives.
A new USA Today analysis found that the prices retail community pharmacies pay for common ADHD medications have outpaced inflation and, in some cases, doubled or tripled in the past year.
The Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of Adderall in October 2022 due to “intermittent manufacturing delays” at companies that make the drug.
According to recent studies, it is estimated that 6 million children and 11 million adults suffer from ADHD. Adderall is a popular stimulant prescribed to improve concentration and attention.
The Adderall shortage prompted patients to look for alternatives; In turn, those ADHD medications became difficult to find and prices rose.
The Food and Drug Administration announced a shortage of Adderall in October 2022 due to “intermittent manufacturing delays” at companies that make the drug. Alex DiStasi – stock.adobe.com
A Delaware mother, whose husband and 17-year-old daughter also have ADHD, told USA Today that the Adderall shortage led her doctor to change her daughter’s prescription to Vyvanse, the only option they could find.
The mother, whom USA Today only identified by her first name, Sam, shared that the monthly amount they pay after insurance increased from less than $20 to $300.
Without insurance, a 100-capsule supply of Vyvanse costs about $1,306, according to Drugs.com.
The Adderall shortage prompted patients to look for alternatives; In turn, those ADHD medications became difficult to find and prices rose. Shutterstock
GoodRx, which offers drug coupons, says generic Vyvanse costs $100, while brand-name Vyvanse starts at $369, which is slightly higher than the cost of brand-name Adderall.
Sam told USA Today that ADHD medications are now too expensive for her and her husband — their daughter’s health and education are top priorities.
“With medication and accommodations at school, my daughter is an outstanding student. Without the medication, she is failing,” Sam explained. “It’s such a stark difference.”
USA Today reports that the DEA said it has been adjusting its quota restrictions to increase production of ADHD stimulants. AP Photo/Jenny Kane
In addition to the price increase, Sam said there ends up being an “additional ADHD tax” as they have to travel long distances to pharmacies that have the medications in stock.
“You can’t really compare it, but if there were a cancer drug shortage, there would be a lot more of an uproar than with the ADHD drug shortage because people don’t seem to realize it’s a disability,” Sam said. saying. “It’s very debilitating. “It has a huge impact on their quality of life.”
When it comes to ADHD medication shortages, USA Today reports that the DEA said it has been adjusting its quota restrictions to increase production of ADHD stimulants.
“DEA has been in communication with relevant manufacturers, and 17 of 18 manufacturers have informed us that they will use their allocated quotas and increase production of stimulant medications,” the agency wrote in a letter early last month.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn