– I’m a little scared for myself, both as a father and as a kindergarten employee. There is a shortage of several ADHD medicines in Norway. For Ole Gabriel Mendiolaza Karlsen from Oslo, it could have major consequences. – The only place I could get hold of it was in Troms and Finnmark, and it’s terribly far away, he says. – Getting more and more tired The shortage applies to the four medicines Aduvanz, Volidax, Elvanse and Balidax. Karlsen has already gone several days without medicine. – I notice that I am starting to get more and more tired. I’m starting to feel down, and I’m afraid of becoming negative, he says. Ole Gabriel Karlsen fears the lack of ADHD medication will affect everyday life. Photo: Nadir Alam / news The father of two says that the medication is important for him to function as he wishes. – I feel that I am much better able to accomplish simple things. Things go around and it’s easy to hold on to things, he says. Expect a challenging situation for the rest of the year The shortage is due to increased demand and sales, says senior physician Ingrid Aas at the Norwegian Medicines Agency. – If we look at the statistics from FHI, we see that the use is almost four times higher last year compared to 2018, says Aas. Shortage situations are often resolved by pharmacies issuing foreign packs. But now these are more difficult to get hold of. The shortage also applies to other European countries. – The ultimate consequence is that the patients do not get hold of the medicine they use. It is always an unfortunate situation, says Aas. Ingrid Aas is a senior physician at the Norwegian Medicines Agency. Photo: Caroline Roka / Statens Legemidelverk The Norwegian Medicines Agency expects new deliveries in November, but not for all packages. – It could be a challenging shortage situation for the rest of the year, she says. Must drive over 140 kilometers The Norwegian Medicines Agency has introduced measures so that patients can be offered accessible packs as easily as possible. With confirmation from a doctor, pharmacies can offer adult packs for children and children’s packs for adults. – We have done this to ensure that the patients are offered the packs that are available, and that you may not have to go to the doctor unnecessarily, says Aas. Karlsen has received a prescription for a different medicine than he usually uses. But it is not available in Oslo either. He has to drive to Flisa to collect it. – Fortunately, I can afford to travel and I have the ticket, but there are many who do not have that opportunity. Fears for children and young people Karlsen now fears that children and young people in particular will have to go a long time without medicine. He believes it can be decisive at a time when you are trying to find yourself. – If there are children who need it, from families with fewer funds and a worse starting point, then they are going to have a very difficult time. Karlsen hopes the situation will not repeat itself. – You should somehow be able to ensure that you have a buffer that is bigger than what you have today.
ttn-69
– Can be challenging throughout the year – news Oslo and Viken – Local news, TV and radio
