Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Clinical criteria:

  • Patient must have demonstrated a response to immediate-release methylphenidate hydrochloride with no emergence of serious adverse events,

AND

  • Patient must require continuous coverage over 8 hours,

AND

  • The treatment must not exceed a maximum daily dose of 80 mg of PBS-subsidised treatment with this drug.

Population criteria:

  • Patient must be or have been diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 17 years inclusive; OR

  • Patient must have had a diagnosis of ADHD prior to turning 18 years of age if PBS-subsidised treatment is continuing beyond 18 years of age; OR

  • Patient must have a retrospective diagnosis of ADHD if PBS-subsidised treatment is commencing after turning 18 years of age; OR

  • Patient must have had a retrospective diagnosis of ADHD if PBS-subsidised treatment is continuing in a patient who commenced PBS-subsidised treatment after turning 18 years of age.

Treatment criteria:

  • Must be treated by a health practitioner who is any of: (i) a medical practitioner, (ii) a nurse practitioner who is continuing treatment with this medicine (of any strength) that was initiated by a medical practitioner as a PBS benefit.

A retrospective diagnosis of ADHD for the purposes of administering this restriction is:

(i) the presence of pre-existing childhood symptoms of ADHD (onset during the developmental period, typically early to mid-childhood); and

(ii) documentation in the patient's medical records that an in-depth clinical interview with, or, obtainment of evidence from, either a: (a) parent, (b) teacher, (c) sibling, (d) third party, has occurred and which supports point (i) above.

Note

Pharmaceutical benefits that have the brand Methylphenidate Orifarm 60 mg (Sweden) can be substituted for Attora LA, Ritalin LA or Rubifen LA in the case of a shortage.

Note

In accordance with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved Product Information, this PBS listing currently intends for once daily dosing only with PBS treatment. Divided dosing of PBS treatment is not intended (e.g. 20 mg in the mornings, 30 mg in the evenings). Where applications (either on the same day or on separate days) for multiple strengths are sought with an intent to titrate patient's dosage, repeats should only be sought for the listed target strength

Note

A patient may only receive PBS-subsidised treatment with one form of long-acting methylphenidate at any one time.

Note

Care must be taken to comply with the provisions of State/Territory law when prescribing this drug.

Note

Applications for authorisation under this restriction may be made in real time using the Online PBS Authorities system (see www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/HPOS) or by telephone by contacting Services Australia on 1800 888 333.

Note

No increase in the maximum quantity or number of units may be authorised.

Note

No increase in the maximum number of repeats may be authorised.