Focalin Shortage (Page 4)
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My son has been on Focaling regular release for two years, we have never had a problem getting his medicine filled until this past month. Since he was diagnosed at 4 we have tried EVERY other medicine out there but nothing works for him but Focalin. He is finally where he needs to be and is doing well at home and in school. I am not sure what to do, is there any idea when this shortage will be over? He takes 20MG in the monring 15 at lunch and 10 in the afternoon. So our prescription is fairly large. He cannot take the XR because it has to many ups and downs. It is sad that because of the drug abusers that my child who cannot function without this medication cannot get what they need. It makes me SICK that some of these comments are from adults just using this drug to have energy or to get their housework done. Our son needs this to be a normal child, to be able to go to school, to be able to play with his friends, to be able to play baseball. If you are using this drug just for the fun of it please go and find something else to catch a buzz with. Do not take the drugs little kids need away from them for your selfishness.

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My kids take 2/10mg in am, 2/10 mg at school and 2/10mg at 4:00 after school. We finally found a medication and dose that works. Now since there is no focalin my kids doctor has put them on 20, 20, and 20 of ritilan. From what I've read, focalin is double the strength of ritilan. It's like they're not on anything. Basically we've started all over. I cannot keep missing work to get these kids out of school. It's very in ethical to get these kids on a medicine that works then jerk it away. What if it was a heart medicine??? Is ADHD not as important? The manufacturer needs to get it together!!!!~ disgusted mother of 4. 2 on focalin for ADHD and PTSD

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Thank you all for your replies this is just such a sad situation . I contacted Teva by email and they said it is on backorder for 8 weeks but that could change and that I should consult my son's physician for an alternative medication. There is not an alternative medication we have tried every single other medicine there is. I am just devistated. I hope this situation in a more timely manner.

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I was told from the pharmacy " can't get blood from a stone" . Really, these are children that can't miss a month of school and even if they go they will miss things. Like you this has been the only meds that have really worked for my son. This school year has been the best for him and he is in 4th grade. This is probably not what you want to hear, but call around you may have to drive. I found it at a small pharmacy.

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I called them and the lady I spoke to told me it can be up to 6 weeks on the shortage but wasn't 100% sure! She told me that I would have to call around to pharmacies here to see if they have it in stock...well like I told her I have done that and since it's on a manufactor back order it's their issue (Teva's) because the pharmacies can not get it in at all. The rep told me that I (actually my son with Aspergers) will just have to wait for it to be back in stock. WTF?!??!! How can he or anyone else just wait I asked her..she had no response to that. I don't know what we are gonna do when his refill for this medication is due next week. He has been on everything else and like I had stated before this medication is the only one that has not turned him into a zombie and made him stop eating. This medication has truly been a godsend for him. If anyone wants to contact Teva here is their # 1-888-838-2872.

I hope this helps u guys out. I know it's not much when u need to get your script filled.

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pls reply bach with what Teva pharmaceuticals has to say. both generic and Focalin are backordered in my area.

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I'm calling Teva today to find out when this so called shortage is going to be over. U would think that with it having a generic other companies would be making this medication. I will post back once I find something out. I know my sons doctor tells me to keep checking different pharmacies but heck I'm sure everyone else that uses this med is doing that and it helps us none at all if they the pharmacies can't get it. Very frustrating to say the least but I will post back and let u guys know what Teva has to say

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Pharmacies are out of Focalin in our area as well. They are calling it a "manufacturer shortage"

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My son is on the 5mg regular focalain and it is a manufactor issue. Teva is the only company that makes the brand and generic of this. So this month I have no clue as to where to find it. I've had to go to mom and pop pharmacies here to get it and I have drained them on the med. hopefully teva will stop the shortage seeing what it is doing to patients that are on this med. my son has Aspergers so this med is a godsend he was in vyvanse and it made him stop eating and zombie like. This med is great for him since he does not have ADHD and his eating is sooooo much better and socially it has got him out of that socially awkward shell. Come on Teva do what needs to be done. Btw..I'm in Tennessee

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Just found Focalin at another pharmacy. They can't get the generic, but my insurance will cover the regular. The generic is suppose to be the one that is hard to get, but my other pharmacy could not get either. I was calling all over and willing to drive hours if need be. Safe for another month.

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I wish they would get this fix they just put my kiddo on facalin dec and he was doing great the they change it to Ritalin and it don't work right grr

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There is definitely a shortage because Focalin brand name is now available in generic. The company that manufactured the brand name lost their patent after 7years (which isn't unusual) and now the generic manufacturers can't produce enough to keep up with the demand.
Our outpatient clinic prescribes Focalin long- and short-acting all the time and parents are having a really difficult time finding any medication. This is pretty much widespread over the state of Maryland.
Then insurance companies won't authorize payment for the brand name Focalin (even if it's available but the generic is not)! Patient's are caught in the middle!
I've written to the FDA to report the shortage and asked for advisement.
I'm thinking parents need need to contact insurance companies also as well as the Focalin drug company about this.

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Verwon, my husband and I Over the past month have called and went to over 20 different pharmacies and every single one of them have said the same thing sorry this is on back order and we have not been able to get it in. Several of my friends are in the same situation. This month I had to get half of his medicine filled 10 me pills and half filled in 5mg pills.

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My son is also on Focalin and the pharmacy said that they are out of regular (non-generic) and the generic. I have a friend that has been dealing with the generic shortage for months because her insurance would not allow the regular. It seems both are out in my area. We were getting regular, but were told there is a shortage for that also. Pharmacy said they contacted my doctor to ask if he can just give him something different. This has also been the only one working for him and has had problems in school until the end of last year when he started it.

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Who told you that there was a shortage?

I've searched several listings and none of them show this medication as being on a reported shortage, right now.

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