Methylphenidate ER tablets: Supply issue

Supply issue Active

Teva has advised that supply issues are affecting methylphenidate ER 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg and 54 mg tablets.

29 September 2023

Stock of the Teva Brand methylphenidate ER tablets will run out. People will have to change to a new brand.

  • Special Authority approvals have been added.
  • a brand switch fee is available for pharmacists.
  • a co-payment waiver is available for people who need to see their prescriber. 

Affected products

The supplier, Teva, alerted Pharmac to a supply issue for all strengths of methylphenidate due to a global increase in demand. Currently there is no certainty of when this supply issue would be resolved.

  • Chemical: methylphenidate hydrochloride
  • Presentation: tab extended-release 18 mg
  • Brand: Methylphenidate ER – Teva
  • Pharmacode: 2567091
  • Presentation: tab extended-release 27 mg
  • Brand: Methylphenidate ER – Teva
  • Pharmacode: 2562774
  • Presentation: tab extended-release 36 mg
  • Brand: Methylphenidate ER – Teva
  • Pharmacode: 2562782
  • Presentation: tab extended-release 54 mg
  • Brand: Methylphenidate ER – Teva
  • Pharmacode: 2562790

Alternative brands 

We have received clinical advice that people using the Teva brand can move to the Concerta(external link) or Rubifen SR(external link) brand of methylphenidate. We appreciate there is only one strength of Rubifen SR (20 mg).

We have arranged for everyone with a current Special Authority for methylphenidate Teva to get one for the Concerta brand. They can now easily transition when visiting their pharmacy.

From 1 October 2023, the Special Authority criteria for Concerta is amended to help people start treatment with Concerta, instead of the Teva brand of methylphenidate

Some people might not be able to move to the exact same strength with the new brand. It is recommended that they discuss the best dosage with their prescriber.

To support pharmacists in this change, a brand switch fee is provided.

We estimate there are 4200 people who will need to change to a different brand.

People who take Teva brand methylphenidate

We appreciate that supply issues can be frustrating, we are working to reduce any disruption. Most people should be able to go to the pharmacy and just pick up the new brand.

However, for some people the new brand may not have your exact dose. If this is the case, it's recommended you talk to your prescriber about the right dose for you.

We have arranged to cover the cost for one trip to your GP. You will not have to pay. We will reimburse the GP directly.

Prescribers of methylphenidate

Thank you for your time supporting this supply issue. We are paying for one visit per person to their primary care physician to help with any changes to dose that might be needed. 

GPs can complete the pro forma invoice and submit it to enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz for payment. 

Who to contact

If you take methylphenidate, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this supply issue.

If you have questions, email enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please include as much information as you can about the product (presentation, brand, pharmacode) and who your wholesaler is.  

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Notice first published 8 August 2023