CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — On Friday, Channel 9 received a response from a local pharmaceutical company about the national Adderall shortage saying that it manufacturers a liquid-form attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) therapy that a patient's doctor may find to be a suitable alternative.
Charlotte-based FSC Pediatrics said it manufactures and distributes ProCentra (dextroamphetimine sulfate), which is approved by FDA, to treat ADHD in children ages 3-16.
The company said there is no shortage of ProCentra and it is available in Charlotte pharmacies as well as across the nation.
Channel 9 first reported the Adderall shortage on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Channel 9 contacted several pharmacies who all said they were out of the popular ADHD drug.
Walkers Drug pharmacist Nathan Ikener said they get about 20 calls per day from people needing Adderall. "We get calls constantly," said Ikener. "They are asking for brand, generic -- they are asking for really anything at this point."
The DEA said most of the time it boils down to the supply and demand. Each year, the government sets a limit for the amount of the chemical found in Adderall and once the manufacturer hits that, they can't make any more until the next year.
A doctor would need to prescribe an alternative form of medication like ProCentra in place of Adderall.
Warning: ProCentra is considered a federally controlled substance and misuse of the product can cause death and serious cardiovascular events.
Addition warnings and product information can be found at fscpediatrics.com.
For more information on alternatives to Adderall, click here.
For more information on drug shortages, click here.
Related Story: • October 19, 2011: Adderall shortage impacting Charlotte area