Get the latest Quillichew ER shortage update for 2026. Learn what's causing the shortage, what the FDA is doing, and how to get your medication.
If you or your child takes Quillichew ER for ADHD, you've likely experienced the frustration of showing up at the pharmacy only to hear "we don't have it in stock." The shortage of ADHD medications has been one of the most persistent drug supply problems in the United States, and Quillichew ER continues to be affected in 2026.
Here's everything patients need to know about the current state of the Quillichew ER shortage.
As of early 2026, Quillichew ER remains difficult to find at many pharmacies across the country. While Tris Pharma (the manufacturer) reports that the product is being produced and shipped, supply has not consistently kept up with demand at the pharmacy level.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continues to list methylphenidate extended-release products among medications experiencing shortages. The primary cause cited is increased demand that has outpaced available supply.
Understanding how we got here helps explain why the shortage has lasted so long:
Several factors contribute to the ongoing shortage of Quillichew ER:
As a Schedule II controlled substance, methylphenidate is subject to annual production limits set by the DEA. These quotas are meant to prevent overproduction and diversion but have been criticized for failing to keep up with legitimate medical demand. The DEA has increased quotas in recent years, but the increases haven't fully closed the supply-demand gap.
ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. More adults and children are being diagnosed and treated, driving up demand for all ADHD medications including Quillichew ER.
Quillichew ER is made by only one manufacturer — Tris Pharma. There is no generic version. When a single manufacturer has any production issue, patients feel the impact immediately because there's no backup supplier.
Quillichew ER is not covered by most Medicare plans and many commercial plans, which means pharmacies may stock less of it. Lower pharmacy inventory means the medication sells out faster when patients do come looking for it.
The FDA has taken several steps to address the ADHD stimulant shortage:
However, the FDA cannot force manufacturers to produce more medication, and the DEA quota system adds another layer of complexity.
While waiting for the shortage to resolve, here are actionable steps:
There is no official end date for the Quillichew ER shortage. Most healthcare industry analysts expect ADHD stimulant supply challenges to continue through at least mid-2026, with gradual improvement over time. The situation is better than it was in 2023, but it's still far from normal.
Key factors that could speed up the resolution include:
We'll continue to update this page as the shortage status changes. For the latest information:
For more background on why this medication is hard to find, read why Quillichew ER is so hard to find in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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