What to do about the stimulant/ Adderall shortage!?
By Brittany Albright MD, MPH
Unfortunately, the stimulant shorage, particularly Adderall/Ritalin and their generic versions, continues to be a major problem affecting our country nationally and our local patients. For more information on this shortage, refer to this article from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/adderall-shortage-how-to-cope/
1) If your pharmacy is out of stock of your prescribed medication, we request that you call around to find a local pharmacy that has it in stock (typically the independent pharmacies, Harris Teeter, CostCo and Publix have have better supplies than CVS, Walmart and Walgreens). Next, send your provider a portal message indicating which pharmacy to send your medication to. Please note that prescribers often may only get to portal messages once every 24 business hours and not on vacations , holidays, or weekends. If you do not hear back after 24-48 business hours, please message or call the office to request assistance from the on call physician. (if you provider is on vacation).
2) If the pharmacy you identified is still out of stock or your provider doesn’t get your message before the pharmacy runs out, your provider may be able to fill the dose equivalent of Adzenys, Dyanavel, or Mydayis (Azstaryz if you do better on methylphenidate). Only if this is an appropriate medication for you. We may only be able to send this specialty rx to an independent pharmacy that is familiar with these specific meds and can handle the coupon code and prior authorization. All of these medications have a $0-$35 copay per month using the manufacturer coupon pretty much without fail when sent to a good pharmacy.
Great local pharmacies:
Mount Pleasant: Tidewater, Sweetgrass, Long Point, East Cooper Family Pharmacy
Daniel Island: Delta
James Island/West Ashley: Dotties
Columbia area: Pine Ridge Pharmacy
Of note, Pine Ridge Pharmacy (634-A Pine Ridge Drive, West Columbia, SC 29172) will ship any of these medications for free directly to the patient. So this is a great option if you do not have transportation or if you're not familiar with the CHS area.