The Drug
Enforcement Administration or DEA is a government agency responsible for
regulating how much of the drug's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) can be
distributed to manufacturers each year. With regards to this system, drug
manufacturers receive enough materials to meet what the DEA estimates the
legitimate needs of consumers or patients. This systematic approach towards
drug ingredients distribution was primarily designed to prevent the creation of excesses of ingredients and other byproduct that could be diverted for
inappropriate and illegal use.
However,
such move was criticized by many for it is said to have caused the shortage of
stimulant and other type of drugs in the market. In recent years, news reports
about the shortage of stimulant, Adderall shortage in particular was
prevalent. To note, a stimulant drugs,
such as Adderall, are treatment drugs used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder or ADHD. They can help manage common ADHD symptoms such as short
attention span, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. It is estimated that “approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of
age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”1 That is why
serious concern was raised regarding the shortage due to the necessary demand
of the product.
Aside from
the said regulatory system set by DEA, there are also some factors which may
have contributed to the so called shortages of particular pharmaceutical drugs
in the market. Manufacturing concerns and other supply disturbances together with business decisions are
likewise being seen as culprit for the insufficiency.
In
connection to drug shortages the “Food
and Drug Administration”2 likewise had their own response to the
crisis by directly addressing the underlying causes so as to enhance product
availability in the market. For manufacturing issues, the agency works with the
manufacturers by implementing regulatory discretion to address shortages. As a
result, a ramp up of production may be observed for drugs that are in shortage.
Food
and Drug Administration or FDA is also able to review inventory items that is
close to expiry or already expired. They may approve an extended dating if
necessary to help increase supplies until new production is available. And such
move is still under strict guidelines. In events of shortages the agency can
also and does facilitate auditing of medicines to help resolve insufficiencies
of medically necessary drugs. There are also instances that FDA may search for
an outside manufacturer that is eager and ready to deliver items into the U.S
when inland and other known manufacturers are unable to supply the needed
consumer demand.
Putting
into consideration the reality of the shortage of Adderall in the market, one
must not remain in the mercy of the government agency. As a consumer or as a
parent with a child having ADHD, preservation is of great importance. There are
many ways to locate and secure the needed drug. Other ways such as direct
communication with manufacturers or large distributors, though may sound a bold
move, but it would sometimes yield into something.
And in the
event that you are seeking Adderall not for ADHD treatment, but as a source for
improvement of mental function, you should have realized long before that there
are even new over the counter food supplements that are being marketed as an
alternative for Adderall. Such products are designed to give the same boost of
energy and focus as what Adderall may do to the cognitive function the brain. And the best part is they are not intended for
ADHD treatment which means most are considered as non-prescription medications
or over the counter medicines
If there
is a need to change for medicinal options, you should be open to it. There are
other Adderall alternatives in the market which may yield same result, but
before doing so, consult your physician first. For your doctor knows what is
best for you beyond the brand of medicine.
1. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
2. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050796.htm
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