Your Patient Has a Xelstrym Prescription — Now What?

You've determined that Xelstrym (Dextroamphetamine transdermal system) is the right fit for your patient's ADHD management. Maybe they struggle with swallowing pills. Maybe they need mid-day dose flexibility. Maybe oral stimulants cause GI side effects. Whatever the clinical rationale, the prescription is written — and now your patient can't find a pharmacy to fill it.

This is a common scenario in 2026. Xelstrym's unique distribution model means that prescribing the medication is only the first step. This guide provides practical, actionable steps to help your patients actually access their Xelstrym prescription.

Current Availability: What Providers Need to Know

Xelstrym is distributed exclusively through Noven's C.A.N. (Care Access Network) Partner Pharmacy program. This means:

• Only enrolled partner pharmacies can reliably stock and dispense Xelstrym
• Most major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) do not routinely carry it
• Some independent pharmacies have joined the network but many have not
• There is no generic equivalent available

Xelstrym is not on the FDA's formal drug shortage list, but the practical effect for patients is similar — they can't find it at their usual pharmacy.

For a broader overview of the supply landscape, see our provider briefing on Xelstrym availability.

Why Patients Can't Find Xelstrym

Understanding the barriers helps you advise patients more effectively:

1. Restricted distribution network: C.A.N. Partner Pharmacies only
2. Brand-only status: No generic means low pharmacy stocking priority
3. Low pharmacist awareness: Many pharmacists aren't familiar with the product
4. Schedule II constraints: DEA quotas and controlled substance regulations add complexity
5. Insurance barriers: Prior authorization, step therapy, or outright non-coverage

What Providers Can Do: 5 Practical Steps

Step 1: Verify Pharmacy Access Before the Patient Leaves Your Office

Don't assume your patient can fill the prescription at their regular pharmacy. Before they leave:

• Check the Noven C.A.N. Partner Pharmacy Finder (available at xelstrym.com or through the Mindful Patch app)
• Use Medfinder for Providers to check availability by ZIP code
• Have your staff call the identified pharmacy to confirm current stock

This takes 2–3 minutes and prevents the frustrating experience of patients being turned away.

Step 2: Connect Patients with the Noven C.A.N. Patient Access Team

Noven's dedicated team exists specifically to solve access problems. Share this information with every Xelstrym patient:

• Phone: 833-483-2178 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–7 PM EST)
• What they offer: Partner pharmacy location, home delivery setup, copay savings enrollment, and general prescription support

Consider having pre-printed cards or a handout with this information ready in your office.

Step 3: Pre-Authorize the Prior Authorization

Many insurers require prior authorization for Xelstrym. Proactively preparing the PA documentation can save days or weeks of delay:

• Document the clinical rationale for transdermal delivery (dysphagia, GI issues, adherence, dose flexibility needs)
• Record prior oral stimulant trials and their outcomes if step therapy is required
• Submit the PA with the prescription rather than waiting for the pharmacy rejection

Step 4: Recommend the Copay Savings Program

The cash price for Xelstrym is $350–$500/month, which is prohibitive for many patients. Noven's Copay Savings Program can reduce costs to $0 for eligible commercially insured patients. Enrollment is available through:

• xelstrym.com
• The Mindful Patch app
• The Noven C.A.N. Patient Access Team (833-483-2178)

For uninsured patients, direct them to our savings guide for Xelstrym or to NeedyMeds.org for additional assistance programs.

Step 5: Have a Backup Plan Ready

Despite best efforts, some patients will not be able to access Xelstrym — at least initially. Have an alternative ready to prescribe:

• Generic Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse): Same active metabolite, widely available, $30–$80/month
• Generic Dextroamphetamine (oral): Same active ingredient, $20–$40/month
• Generic Mixed Amphetamine Salts ER (Adderall XR): $25–$60/month
• Methylphenidate options: For patients open to a different stimulant class

Frame the alternative as a bridge while working on Xelstrym access, not a permanent replacement — unless the patient prefers otherwise.

Alternatives in Detail

When the transdermal route is specifically needed and Xelstrym isn't accessible, note that Daytrana (Methylphenidate transdermal patch) was previously available but has been discontinued in the US. There is currently no other stimulant patch on the market, making Xelstrym the sole option for patients who specifically require transdermal delivery.

For patients who can use oral medications, the alternatives listed above are well-established and effective. A detailed comparison is available in our patient-facing alternatives guide.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Integrating Xelstrym access support into your practice workflow doesn't have to be burdensome:

• Create a Xelstrym access handout with the Noven C.A.N. phone number, pharmacy finder link, and copay savings enrollment instructions. Hand it out with every Xelstrym prescription.
• Train your front desk and MA staff to check the C.A.N. pharmacy finder and verify stock before patients leave.
• Use Medfinder in your prescribing workflow. Medfinder for Providers lets your team quickly check which pharmacies near your patients have Xelstrym available.
• Template your PA documentation. If you prescribe Xelstrym regularly, create a prior authorization template that includes common clinical rationale language for transdermal delivery.
• Follow up proactively. Call or message patients 3–5 days after writing the prescription to confirm they were able to fill it. If not, you can intervene early with an alternative or additional access support.

Final Thoughts

Xelstrym offers a meaningfully different treatment option for ADHD patients, but the current distribution model requires more provider engagement than a typical prescription. By verifying pharmacy access upfront, connecting patients with Noven's support resources, proactively managing insurance barriers, and having alternatives ready, you can significantly improve your patients' chances of successful medication access.

Medfinder for Providers is a free tool designed to help with exactly this kind of challenge — checking stock for hard-to-find medications so your patients don't have to.