THE steps the Government is taking to ensure there are adequate supplies of important medication have been requested by a Warrington MP.

Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North, submitted the written question to the Department of Health and Social Care.

This surrounds the availability of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication, which is currently in short supply around the world.

She asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care what steps his department is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply of medicines for ADHD.

The question was answered by Karin Smyth, Minister of State for the Department of Health and Social Care.

She said: “The department has been working with industry to help resolve supply issues with some ADHD medicines, which are affecting the UK and other countries around the world.

“As a result of intensive work, some issues have been resolved.

“All strengths of lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine capsules and guanfacine prolonged-release tablets are now available.

“We are working to resolve medicine supply issues where they remain for some strengths of methylphenidate. These are anticipated to be resolved by October.

“We are asking suppliers to secure additional stocks, expedite deliveries where possible and review plans to further build capacity to support continued growth in demand for the short and long-term.

“The department has worked with specialist clinicians to develop management advice for NHS clinicians to consider prescribing available alternative brands of methylphenidate prolonged release tablets.

“We would expect ADHD service providers and specialists to follow our guidance to offer rapid response to primary care teams seeking urgent advice or opinion for the management of patients, including those known to be at a higher risk of adverse impact because of these shortages.

“To aid ADHD service providers and prescribers further, we have widely disseminated our communications and continually update a list of currently available and unavailable ADHD products on the Specialist Pharmacy Service website.

“This is helping ensure that those involved in the prescribing and dispensing of ADHD medications can make informed decisions with patients.”

To view the availability list, visit sps.nhs.uk/articles/prescribing-available-medicines-to-treat-adhd