MHRA and DHSC prohibit export and hoarding of five ADHD medications amid shortage crisis

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have added five more medicines that cannot be hoarded or exported from the UK market.

The government has taken the following action to address the "critical shortage" of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs.

In a crucial development on October 9, this strategic move aims to enable wholesalers to fulfil their legal obligation to supply these essential medicines to patients across the UK.

The updated list of drugs incorporated "all" available strengths and pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring comprehensive coverage for patients' medical needs.

• Methylphenidate hydrochloride

• Lisdexamfetamine mesylate

• Dexamfetamine sulfate

• Atomoxetine

• Guanfacine

As per rules, DHSC will prohibit the export of a medicine if it considers that the following conditions are met:

• the medicine is required to meet the needs of UK patients

• the medicine is currently in critical shortage or at risk of being in critical shortage

• the export of the medicine would contribute to a critical shortage, or risk of critical shortage, of that medicine in the UK

The breach of these restrictions could lead to regulatory action by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) against the wholesale dealer's license.

The consequences could range from an immediate license suspension or the suspension of specific product supplies under the license.