PEOPLE affected by a shortage of medication to manage their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are being advised by the Australia Medical Association (AMA) WA to speak to their doctor early as they may need to temporarily switch to another dosage plan or medication.

Last week a Jane Brook mother told Echo News she had to go to five chemists in the Midland and Ellenbrook area to secure some Ritalin 60mg for her daughter.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) a shortage of Ritalin 60mg is expected to last until the end of December.

New AMA WA president Kyle Hoath said Australia was experiencing a national shortage of methylphenidate ADHD medications such as the long-acting products Concerta and Ritalin LA.

Dr Hoath said if a patient’s usual treatment included one of these products, they may need to temporarily switch to another dosage plan or medication.

“It is important that people speak to their doctor early and arrange follow-up check-ins,’’ he said.

“Patients may be switched to a different medication, though they may experience different side-effects or changes while adjusting to the new medicine.

“The transition is often smooth with no problems.

“In addition to reaching out to their doctor, patients transitioning to a new product can reach out to online communities like ADHD Australia, ADHD WA, ADHD Foundation or peer support networks.”

A post on the TGA website said shortages of products used to treat ADHD – Concerta and Ritalin IR and LA – was due to manufacturing issues and was affecting multiple countries.

“The shortage of Teva-XR and Rubifen LA products has occurred due to an increase in demand caused by the unavailability of other methylphenidate products,’’ the TGA post said.

The Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) said in response to the ongoing shortage of long-acting methylphenidate products the association had been consulting with the TGA to develop guidance and information to support clinicians navigating the shortages.

On its website the AADPA said the guidance – developed in consultation with the TGA’s medicine shortage action group –  was intended solely for qualified healthcare professionals in Australia.