Unfortunately, drug shortages are not new to pharmacists and your team of Good Day pharmacists and technicians work to combat them daily. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of these shortages such as antibiotics, flu medicine, children's acetaminophen, and ibuprofen shortages over the past winter. Also, since October of 2022 we have been facing a nationwide shortage of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) medications such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin and their generic counterparts and alternatives. There appears to be no immediate end in sight according to multiple manufactures that are stating from late April to "To be determined" as the shortage resolution date (ASHP, 3/6/23).

The demand for these medications has drastically and steadily increased since 2020, with an increase in Adderall prescriptions for adults more than doubling from 7.4% to 15.1% from 2019 to 2022 according to Trilliant Health, a healthcare analytics company.

Due to these medications being controlled substances, ramping up manufacturing due to a shortage is not as easy as it may sound. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) limits manufacturing of active ingredients used in controlled substances based off quantities prescribed in the years prior. When large demand increases occur, drug manufacturers are left scrambling with little ability to do anything about it. There have been numerous petitions to the DEA to allow for increases in manufacturing but so far, there is no indication that this will be a quick fix.

Please feel free to address your questions and concerns with your local Good Day Pharmacy team ad if you are affected by this shortage, we will work with you and your provider to determine the best possible course of action for your prescription. Rest assured; your Good Day team is always working to dampen the impact of these drug shortages on our patients.

Https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fd-announces-shortage-adderall

Https://www.trillianthealth.com/insights/the-compass/sharp-uptick-in-adderall-prescribing-for-adults-ages-22-44-amind-covid-19-pandemic