Daytrana is nearly impossible to find in 2026. Learn why the methylphenidate patch was discontinued, what caused the shortage, and what options you have now.
If you've been trying to fill a Daytrana prescription lately, you already know how frustrating it is. Pharmacy after pharmacy tells you the same thing: it's out of stock, backordered, or simply unavailable. You're not imagining things — Daytrana really is nearly impossible to find in 2026.
Daytrana (Methylphenidate transdermal system) was once a unique and valuable option for managing ADHD. It was the only methylphenidate patch on the market, offering a needle-free, pill-free way to deliver medication throughout the day. But today, finding it feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what happened to Daytrana, why it's so hard to find, and what steps you can take right now.
Daytrana is a prescription transdermal patch that delivers Methylphenidate — the same active ingredient found in medications like Ritalin and Concerta — through the skin. It was FDA-approved for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17.
The patch was applied to the hip once daily, worn for up to 9 hours, and then removed. It came in four strengths: 10 mg/9 hr, 15 mg/9 hr, 20 mg/9 hr, and 30 mg/9 hr. For many families, it was a game-changer — especially for kids who couldn't or wouldn't swallow pills.
Daytrana was manufactured by Noven Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical. It was classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
There are several reasons Daytrana has become nearly impossible to locate. Here's what happened:
The biggest reason you can't find Daytrana is that Noven Pharmaceuticals stopped making it. The company ceased production of the Daytrana patch, and no other manufacturer has stepped in to fill the gap. When the sole maker of a medication stops producing it, existing supply dries up quickly.
Unlike many brand-name medications that eventually get generic competition, Daytrana never had a generic equivalent approved by the FDA. The transdermal delivery system was complex to replicate, and no generic manufacturer successfully brought a competing product to market. This means there's no fallback version available at any price.
The broader ADHD medication market has faced significant supply disruptions in recent years. DEA manufacturing quotas, increased demand for stimulant medications, and raw material constraints have all contributed to ongoing shortages across the stimulant class. Even if Daytrana were still being made, it might still be hard to find.
Even before the discontinuation, many pharmacies had stopped routinely stocking Daytrana. The high cost (often $350–$500 for a 30-day supply without insurance), limited patient population, and storage requirements meant that most pharmacies only ordered it when specifically requested. Now, with production halted, pharmacies have no way to reorder.
If you or your child depends on Daytrana, here are some practical steps to take:
Use Medfinder to search for Daytrana availability at pharmacies near you. While stock is extremely limited, Medfinder can help you identify any remaining inventory before it's gone. You can also learn more tips for finding Daytrana in stock.
Since Daytrana is effectively discontinued, your best long-term strategy is to work with your prescriber to find an alternative ADHD medication. Several oral Methylphenidate formulations are available, including:
Learn more about your options in our guide to alternatives to Daytrana.
In rare cases, a specialty pharmacy may still have limited Daytrana stock. Compounding pharmacies cannot legally replicate the Daytrana patch (since Methylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance with specific formulation requirements), but they may be able to prepare other custom Methylphenidate formulations with a prescription.
If your insurance previously covered Daytrana, contact them about coverage for alternative medications. Many insurers will expedite prior authorization when a patient's current medication becomes unavailable. Your doctor's office can often handle this process for you.
Daytrana was a one-of-a-kind medication, and its disappearance from the market has left many families scrambling. The reality is that Daytrana is effectively gone in 2026 — the manufacturer stopped production, no generic exists, and remaining stock has largely been exhausted.
The good news is that there are effective alternative ADHD medications available. While none deliver Methylphenidate through a patch, options like Quillivant XR (liquid), Concerta, and Ritalin LA can provide similar benefits. Talk to your doctor about making the switch, and use Medfinder to check availability of whatever medication you and your provider choose.
You're not alone in this — and there are still good options out there.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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