Your Patients Can't Find Quillivant XR — Here's How to Help

As a provider managing ADHD patients, you've likely heard from families struggling to fill Quillivant XR prescriptions. The extended-release liquid methylphenidate has been in intermittent shortage since 2023, and patients — especially caregivers of young children — are turning to their prescribers for help.

This guide provides actionable steps your practice can take to help patients locate Quillivant XR, navigate the shortage, and ensure continuity of care.

Current Availability

As of early 2026, Quillivant XR remains on the FDA's drug shortage database. Key availability facts:

• Manufacturer: Tris Pharma, Inc. (sole manufacturer)
• Generic status: No generic available in pharmacies despite FDA approval of a generic application
• Supply: Intermittent and region-dependent. Some pharmacies have periodic stock; others have been unable to order for months.
• Price without insurance: $328–$480 per bottle

The shortage is part of the broader ADHD stimulant supply crisis that has affected both amphetamine and methylphenidate products since late 2022.

Why Patients Can't Find It

Understanding the root causes helps you communicate effectively with patients:

1. Single manufacturer dependency. Quillivant XR is only made by Tris Pharma. Any production disruption affects the entire national supply.
2. Specialty formulation complexity. As a liquid extended-release suspension requiring pharmacy reconstitution, it has a more complex supply chain than standard tablets.
3. DEA quota constraints. Schedule II production quotas can limit manufacturers' ability to rapidly increase output.
4. Increased methylphenidate demand. The Adderall shortage redirected many patients to methylphenidate products, overwhelming supply.
5. Insurance barriers. Many plans require prior authorization for Quillivant XR and may prefer that patients try tablet formulations first, creating delays even when stock is available.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Steps

Step 1: Direct Patients to Medfinder

Medfinder for Providers offers real-time pharmacy inventory data for Quillivant XR. Rather than having your staff make calls on behalf of patients, you can direct families to medfinder.com to find nearby pharmacies with current stock.

Consider adding Medfinder to your patient education materials or discharge instructions for ADHD patients on Quillivant XR.

Step 2: Build Relationships with Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have different wholesaler contracts and may be able to source medications that chain pharmacies cannot. Identify 2–3 independent pharmacies in your area that have had success filling Quillivant XR and recommend them to patients.

Some specialty pediatric pharmacies maintain dedicated controlled substance supply chains and may be more reliable sources during shortages.

Step 3: Proactively Prepare Alternative Prescriptions

When prescribing Quillivant XR, consider discussing backup options with families upfront. This avoids delays if the primary prescription can't be filled. Alternatives to consider:

• QuilliChew ER — chewable methylphenidate, same manufacturer (Tris Pharma), 12-hour duration
• Ritalin LA — capsule that can be opened and sprinkled on food, 8-hour duration, generic available
• Focalin XR — dexmethylphenidate capsule with sprinkle option, 12-hour duration, generic available
• Aptensio XR — methylphenidate ER capsule with sprinkle option, 12-hour duration
• Dyanavel XR — liquid amphetamine suspension (different drug class, also Tris Pharma)

Remember: do not substitute methylphenidate formulations on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Each formulation requires independent dose titration.

Step 4: Streamline Prior Authorization

Many commercial insurers require prior authorization for Quillivant XR and may mandate step therapy. To facilitate faster approvals:

• Document medical necessity for liquid formulation in the chart (e.g., inability to swallow tablets, need for precise titration, age-appropriate administration)
• Include previous treatment trials and outcomes
• Note the clinical impact of medication discontinuation
• Use payer-specific prior authorization forms when available

Step 5: Educate Families on Cost Reduction

Help patients access savings programs:

• Tris Pharma Savings Card: Patients may pay as little as $20 per prescription. Activate at trissavingscard.com.
• GoodRx: Coupons may reduce cash price to approximately $328.
• SingleCare and other discount programs: Can provide competitive pricing at select pharmacies.
• Patient assistance programs: NeedyMeds and RxAssist maintain updated listings.

For a detailed cost guide you can share with patients, see how to save money on Quillivant XR.

Alternatives in Detail

When transitioning patients off Quillivant XR due to the shortage, the following considerations apply:

• For patients who need a liquid: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine-based) is the only other long-acting liquid ADHD medication. Switching from methylphenidate to amphetamine requires careful clinical evaluation and monitoring.
• For patients who can tolerate sprinkle capsules: Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, and Aptensio XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food. These maintain the methylphenidate mechanism while offering a non-tablet option.
• For patients who can chew: QuilliChew ER is a chewable methylphenidate tablet with similar pharmacokinetics to Quillivant XR, made by the same manufacturer.
• For patients open to tablet formulations: Concerta (generic available) provides 12-hour methylphenidate coverage but must be swallowed whole.

See our comprehensive alternatives guide for more detail.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

• Flag Quillivant XR patients in your EHR. Create a patient list of those on Quillivant XR so you can proactively communicate about shortage updates or recall information.
• Template your prior auth letters. Create a reusable prior authorization template that includes the standard medical necessity language for liquid methylphenidate formulations.
• Brief your front-desk and nursing staff. Ensure they know to direct patients to Medfinder and the Tris Savings Card when patients call about Quillivant XR availability.
• Schedule follow-ups during transitions. If switching a patient to an alternative medication, schedule a 2–4 week follow-up to assess efficacy and tolerability.
• Track shortage status. Bookmark the ASHP drug shortage page and the FDA drug shortage database for periodic updates.

Final Thoughts

The Quillivant XR shortage puts a disproportionate burden on families who chose this medication because their child needs a liquid formulation. As their prescriber, you're in the best position to help them navigate this challenge.

By leveraging tools like Medfinder for Providers, maintaining familiarity with alternatives, and streamlining prior authorization processes, you can significantly ease the burden on patients and your practice.

For the clinical shortage overview, see our provider shortage briefing. For patient resources you can share, see our patient guide to finding Quillivant XR.