RITALIN SHORTAGE SET TO CONTINUE
Ciba's Ritalin (methylphenidate), prescribed for hyperactive children, is expected to continue to be in short supply in the USA until at least December and could soon disappear from drug store shelves, according to a spokesman for the company. The shortage is a result of the US government's delay in granting permission to increase production of the drug (permission was granted on October 7).
The spokesman notes that production has now resumed, but it will take some time to catch up with demand. The shortage should have no effect on price because Ciba has not raised its cost to wholesalers.
Due to increased demand for the product, Ciba requested last December to increase production by almost 50%, from 1,513 kilos to 2,300 kilos annually. Since the drug is a controlled substance, US Drug Enforcement Administration approval was needed to increase the supply.
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