Daytrana Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 18, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Daytrana still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, alternatives, and what patients can do right now.

Daytrana in 2026: The Latest on Availability

If you've been waiting for Daytrana to come back in stock, we have an important update: the situation hasn't improved. In fact, it's gotten worse. Daytrana (Methylphenidate transdermal patch) has gone from "shortage" to "effectively discontinued" — and patients need to plan accordingly.

In this article, we'll give you the most current information on what's happening with Daytrana, what it costs if you can find it, and what your options are moving forward.

Is Daytrana Still in Shortage?

"Shortage" doesn't quite capture the situation anymore. Noven Pharmaceuticals, the sole manufacturer of Daytrana, has ceased production of the medication. This isn't a temporary supply disruption — it's a permanent discontinuation.

Here's the timeline of what happened:

  • 2016–2017: Intermittent supply disruptions began. Pharmacies reported difficulty ordering Daytrana consistently.
  • 2019–2021: Shortages became more frequent. The FDA listed Daytrana on its drug shortage database.
  • 2022–2023: Noven Pharmaceuticals significantly reduced production. Many patients began having trouble filling prescriptions.
  • 2023–2024: Production effectively ceased. Remaining pharmacy inventory began to deplete.
  • 2025–2026: Daytrana is nearly impossible to find. No manufacturer is producing it, and no generic exists.

For a deeper dive into the reasons behind this, read our article on why Daytrana is so hard to find.

Why Is Daytrana So Hard to Find?

Several factors combined to create this situation:

  • Manufacturer discontinuation: Noven Pharmaceuticals stopped producing Daytrana, and no other company has taken over production.
  • No generic competition: The FDA never approved a generic version of the Methylphenidate transdermal patch. The complex delivery system made it difficult for generic manufacturers to replicate.
  • Broader stimulant supply issues: The entire ADHD stimulant market has faced supply constraints due to DEA manufacturing quotas, increased demand, and raw material challenges.
  • Small patient population: Daytrana served a niche market, which made it less commercially viable compared to oral Methylphenidate products.

How Much Does Daytrana Cost in 2026?

If you're lucky enough to find Daytrana, expect to pay a premium:

  • Cash price: $350–$500 for a 30-patch supply (one month)
  • With insurance: Copays varied widely, typically $30–$75 with good coverage. However, many insurers have removed Daytrana from their formularies since it's been discontinued.
  • Discount cards: Most pharmacy discount programs (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.) show Daytrana as unavailable since there's no supply to discount.

The manufacturer savings card that Noven previously offered is no longer active. For tips on managing costs, see our guide to saving money on Daytrana.

What New Options Are Available?

While no new Methylphenidate patch has entered the market, there have been some positive developments in ADHD treatment:

  • Generic Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) became available, making this long-acting stimulant much more affordable at $30–$80/month.
  • Quillivant XR remains available as a liquid Methylphenidate option for patients who can't swallow pills.
  • Azstarys (Serdexmethylphenidate/Dexmethylphenidate) is a newer Methylphenidate-based option with a unique release profile.
  • Jornay PM (Methylphenidate ER) is taken at night and provides coverage starting when you wake up — a unique dosing approach.

For a full comparison of alternatives, read our guide on alternatives to Daytrana.

How to Find Daytrana in Stock

If you want to try finding remaining inventory, here are your best options:

  1. Use Medfinder to search for Daytrana at pharmacies near you. It's the fastest way to check availability across multiple locations.
  2. Call independent pharmacies — they're more likely to have carried niche medications and may still have stock.
  3. Expand your search radius — be willing to look 50–100+ miles away if needed.
  4. Ask your doctor's office — they may have connections with specialty pharmacies or distributors.

For more detailed strategies, see our tips for finding Daytrana in stock.

Final Thoughts

The Daytrana shortage has evolved into a permanent absence from the market. While this is disappointing news for the families who relied on it, the ADHD treatment landscape has continued to evolve with new medications and more affordable generics.

The most important thing you can do right now is:

  1. Accept the reality — Daytrana is extremely unlikely to return in its current form.
  2. Talk to your doctor — Discuss which alternative medication is the best fit for you or your child.
  3. Use Medfinder — Whether you're searching for Daytrana or a new medication, we can help you find it in stock.

You deserve effective ADHD treatment, and there are still plenty of good options available. Don't let the loss of one medication derail your care.

Is the Daytrana shortage permanent?

Yes, Daytrana is permanently discontinued, not temporarily out of stock. Noven Pharmaceuticals stopped manufacturing the product in 2020 with no plans to resume production.

Will Daytrana ever come back on the market?

It is highly unlikely. No manufacturer has announced plans to produce Daytrana or a generic methylphenidate patch. The specialized transdermal technology makes it difficult and costly to reproduce.

Does the FDA list Daytrana as being in shortage?

The FDA listed Daytrana as discontinued rather than in shortage. This means the product has been permanently removed from the market, unlike temporary drug shortages that eventually resolve.

What are patients who relied on Daytrana doing now?

Most former Daytrana patients have switched to oral methylphenidate formulations like Concerta, Ritalin LA, or Quillivant XR. Your prescriber can help determine which alternative best matches your previous Daytrana regimen.

Why waste time calling, coordinating, and hunting?

You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

Try Medfinder Concierge Free

Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.

25,000+ have already found their meds with Medfinder.

Start your search today.
99% success rate
Fast-turnaround time
Never call another pharmacy