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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask if anyone has had an Elvanse prescription filled recently?

17 replies

Offcom · 09/10/2023 08:38

Just trying to get a picture of how dire the ADHD medication shortage is. Like, is NONE available? A very small amount?

Also can anyone explain how pharmacies get medications? I go in to request a repeat, they say they’ll order it… but where from??

I had an NHS prescription filled on 13 Sept for Elvanse 70mg at a local pharmacy in south London

OP posts:
Bearbookagainandagain · 09/10/2023 09:29

They'll order it from the wholesaler

SphincterSaysWhat · 09/10/2023 09:30

Yes, just last week.

Tlolljs · 09/10/2023 09:33

I work in a supported living house and we are getting desperate. Not jiking

InAndOutOfTheRedBalloon · 09/10/2023 09:38

We are eking out one prescription between two people, trying to keep both afloat until the supply problem is solved. The tension is showing and no one is working at their best. The prescriber (PUK, our area "don't do" shared care) say there is absolutely nothing til mid November. It's grim.

anythinginapinch · 09/10/2023 09:43

My regular chemist has not had any for two months. The actual pharmacy linked to GP did both months. But I am anxious about next months supply. Gulp.

GingerIsBest · 09/10/2023 09:47

We are in the initial trial of ADHD medication. The Elvanse was a bit low but due to the shortage, doctor is trialling something else. The problem is that DS doesn't seem to be doing s well on it so I think we're going to have to go back to Elvanse (does it come in different strengths?). Feeling a bit nervous as I keep hearing about these shortages. we're only buying a month at a time so it feels like we could be on a knife edge constantly.

Original poster
Offcom · 10/10/2023 22:25

GingerIsBest · 09/10/2023 09:47

We are in the initial trial of ADHD medication. The Elvanse was a bit low but due to the shortage, doctor is trialling something else. The problem is that DS doesn't seem to be doing s well on it so I think we're going to have to go back to Elvanse (does it come in different strengths?). Feeling a bit nervous as I keep hearing about these shortages. we're only buying a month at a time so it feels like we could be on a knife edge constantly.

Elvanse comes in different doses yes! When you can get it…

OP posts:
Original poster
Offcom · 10/10/2023 22:27

I have just been told today my local pharmacy hasn’t been able to get it. Didn’t think to try the bigger one attached to the GP but I will

OP posts:
Original poster
Offcom · 10/10/2023 22:31

InAndOutOfTheRedBalloon · 09/10/2023 09:38

We are eking out one prescription between two people, trying to keep both afloat until the supply problem is solved. The tension is showing and no one is working at their best. The prescriber (PUK, our area "don't do" shared care) say there is absolutely nothing til mid November. It's grim.

I’m so sorry, that’s a tough situation. So miserable having to choose when you’ll be functioning isn’t it

OP posts:
ColonelRhubarbBikini · 10/10/2023 22:32

As a pharmacy assistant we go online and order our prescription medication from two different companies. A bit like popping on Amazon to be honest. For run of the mill stuff our operating system adds a box to the order for every script that’s processed so a one in one out system essentially.

When it comes to out of stock medication there is sadly very little communication from the companies to us. Online ordering they just put an OOS next to the meds with no indication as to when it might come back in.

I know it’s such a struggle for people right now. Lots of people can’t get the medication they need and it’s awful not to be able to help them. Ask pharmacies which suppliers they use and try to cast a wide net of pharmacies that have different suppliers would be my best advice.

Floopyfloop · 10/10/2023 22:33

I have asked my pharmacist to keep me some as my prescription is due to be done this week and I’m taking 25 teens abroad on a trip at the end of the months so desperately need to be medicated, I still have 4 tablets left so I haven’t taken them this week so I can keep them as an emergency back up. My pharmacy has said they have a box for me so praying my specialist will prescribe with no quibble as I have been on them for 5 years!

I was meant to request the prescription today but forgot as I haven’t taken my meds! 😂

StJulian2023 · 10/10/2023 22:39

It’s Atomoxetine we’ve had trouble getting (Strattera - not that we’ve ever had the brand name version). Lots of ringing round pharmacies and getting prescriptions very far in advance but have managed to keep DS on it so far

ThisWormHasTurned · 10/10/2023 22:45

I got some on Thursday. I usually take 50mg the week running up to AF but they only had 40mg. Pharmacist told me I’d had the last full box, they had no other strengths in either and they’d had people ringing up to see what they had.
I’m only taking them on work days now to make my supply last longer..shortage started with a supply issue of Adderall in the US, people started using Elvanse instead and there’s now an international shortage of ADHD meds..My pharmacist said they had no idea when supply would be in either. The fact that more people are getting diagnosed and medicated doesn’t help either. I’ve only been on it a year but dread the idea of living without it now. I’m struggling at work as it is, barely keeping it together. I suspect I’ll drown without the meds.

SiobhanSharpe · 10/10/2023 22:46

I take a medication called Ropinirole for restless legs syndrome in 1mg and 0.5 mg doses. The 0.5 mg has been out of stock for over a month and on googling, it seems that no more supplies are expected until at least January 2024.
It comes in 0.25, 0.50, 1 mg and 2 mg tabs and the only ones available for now, anyway are the 1 mg. Terrfied that one will run out too.

Original poster
Offcom · 10/10/2023 23:07

ColonelRhubarbBikini · 10/10/2023 22:32

As a pharmacy assistant we go online and order our prescription medication from two different companies. A bit like popping on Amazon to be honest. For run of the mill stuff our operating system adds a box to the order for every script that’s processed so a one in one out system essentially.

When it comes to out of stock medication there is sadly very little communication from the companies to us. Online ordering they just put an OOS next to the meds with no indication as to when it might come back in.

I know it’s such a struggle for people right now. Lots of people can’t get the medication they need and it’s awful not to be able to help them. Ask pharmacies which suppliers they use and try to cast a wide net of pharmacies that have different suppliers would be my best advice.

Thanks so much for this intel, really appreciate it

OP posts:
Original poster
Offcom · 10/10/2023 23:13

Floopyfloop · 10/10/2023 22:33

I have asked my pharmacist to keep me some as my prescription is due to be done this week and I’m taking 25 teens abroad on a trip at the end of the months so desperately need to be medicated, I still have 4 tablets left so I haven’t taken them this week so I can keep them as an emergency back up. My pharmacy has said they have a box for me so praying my specialist will prescribe with no quibble as I have been on them for 5 years!

I was meant to request the prescription today but forgot as I haven’t taken my meds! 😂

Edited

Bloody hell, you neeeeeed that Elvanse. Set a reminder this instant! ✍️

OP posts:
anon0007 · 10/10/2023 23:18

I did on Saturday.

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