Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she has had recent discussions with the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services on the availability of (a) atomoxetine, (b) lisdexamfetamine, (c) methylphenidate and (d) other ADHD medication.

Disruptions to the supply of medicines used for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been primarily driven by issues which have resulted in capacity constraints at key manufacturing sites. The Department has been working hard with industry to help resolve those issues and expedite deliveries to boost supplies of medicines uses for the management of ADHD, as quickly as possible. We have been informed that these should largely be resolved by April or May 2024.

As a result of our ongoing activity and intensive work, some issues have been resolved. Certain strengths of lisdexamphetamine, guanfacine, and all strengths of atomoxetine capsules are now available. While supply issues remain for some ADHD medicines, we continue to escalate these issues with manufacturers to ensure action is taken to resolve regulatory issues and expedite deliveries, to alleviate these shortages as soon as possible.

Health is a devolved matter and as such decisions on availability of medicines in Wales are a matter for the devolved administrations. However, the Department works closely with suppliers, NHS England, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the devolved administrations, and other stakeholders to ensure patients continue to have access to the treatments they need.

The Department’s officials regularly discuss a range of issues with colleagues in the Welsh Health and Social Services, including on the access to medicines. The Department has had no specific discussions with the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services.