Exemption - Methylphenidate modified release tablets | 17 January 2025

Dear pharmacist,

The NSW Ministry of Health has advised there is an ongoing shortage of multiple strengths of methylphenidate modified release tablets (Concerta® and Methylphenidate-Teva®), which is expected to impact availability until the following dates: 

• Concerta® – June 2025
• Methylphenidate-Teva® – January 2026

To support patients during this shortage, NSW Health has issued a temporary exemption to the requirement under Section 89 (1) of the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 to retain prescriptions and repeats for methylphenidate modified release tablets when dispensed. The exemption enables pharmacists to release previously dispensed prescriptions and repeats for these medicines to patients to assist them to source ongoing medication supply when their usual pharmacy is unable to obtain the medicines due to the shortage. 

The exemption will be in place until 30 June 2025, however this will be reviewed closer to the time and extended if required. 

For further guidance on ensuring continued access to medications during this shortage, please refer to these information sheets:

• Information for Community Pharmacists​
• Information for Hospital Pharmacists​

For more information on managing medication shortages, visit the visit the ​​​ TG​​A Shortages webpage​​​. 

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