Daytrana: The ‘Ritalin Patch’
Sometimes children who require medication for ADHD are not able to swallow the pills. There are a few medicines available which can be sprinkled - such as Adderall XR, and Dexedrine Spansules. (This means that the capsule can be openned and the contents sprinkled into a spoonful of apple sauce or something like it - check with your pharmacist).
However, there was a big leap forward for kids who can’t swallow pills when the first transdermal (skin) medication patch was developed. It is called Daytrana, and has been available in the US since earlier this year. It is a patch which has the medication methylphenidate in it - which is the same medication as ritalin, concerta and metadate. I have called the patch the ‘ritalin patch’, because I imagine that most people call it that. I have to imagine because this medicine is not yet available in Canada (where I live and work), so I have no direct experience with it - yet.
When Daytrana was announced, I was so excited that I wrote a news release sharing the importance of this delivery system of medication. You can read that news release here: Daytrana.
I am writing this post today, because I got an exciting piece of news yesterday - Daytrana may be coming to Canada very soon. Now, this is not such a reliable piece of information that I can share a date - but I am hopeful that it will be before 2007. If I get more specific information, I will be sure to update you on this blog. If you would like to keep up to date with the contents of this blog, just enter your name and email address on the right of this screen, and you will receive email updates - or you could use an RSS reader.
I know that there are many readers of this blog who are not in Canada, so this post will serve to share some information with you about Daytrana. For those of you in Canada - this post will serve to update you on something new coming down the pipe - hopefully very soon!
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Written by Dr. Kenny Handelman - The ADHD Doctor
To find get a FREE special report on ADD/ADHD Medication, visit: Medication Mastery
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August 29th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
In whom it is possible to order the concerta medication? Who can help?
September 9th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
I am living in Canada and I was wondering if there might ever be a patch for straterra. If so would it be coming out anytime soon and would the cost of buying the patches change from the price of the capsules.
September 9th, 2006 at 11:57 pm
Hi Lori,
Thanks for the comment.
I have to say that when a medicine (or new preparation) is coming, we usually know about it for at least 1 year.
Medicines also get to the US before they get to Canada.
I have not heard anything at all about a Strattera Patch.
If I do, you can be sure I will post about it on this blog
Kenny Handelman
November 21st, 2006 at 3:47 pm
I live in the US. I ran into trouble using the Daytrana patches. Although very convenient not very good for me. I started twitching at night right after I started using Daytrana. Not so much for the first week but last night I pretty much kept my husband up all night with full body twitches. Today I’m exhausted and I’m totally sore. I called my doctor this morning and said I wouldn’t be using the patch anymore. I’ll be going back to Adderall XR. I hope it works better for others.
March 25th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Would like to be kept updated on Daytrana coming to Canada.
I’ve looked on the Health Canada website and can find nothing.
My son is 7 and refuses to take the concerta we have. I cannot go through this every morning. He hasn’t been able to take any yet. Tried everything!! Trust me, I’ve searched ways to do this and have many suggestions but for my son…it won’t work.
Can you email me when it’s availalbe in Canada or when I can look forward to telling my Doctor I want it?
Thanks!
Debby
March 25th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Hi Debby,
Regarding when Daytrana will come to Canada - the best information I have right now - March 07 - is that we likely won’t have it in 2007, and we may not even have it in 2008.
It is hard to know for sure when a medicine is going to come. I will certainly post to this blog when Daytrana is about to arrive (and any other updates that I have).
If swallowing the pills is a concern - you could consider a different methylphenidate product that doesn’t require swallowing - such as Biphentin.
Visit: http://addadhdblog.com/biphentin-the-newest-addadhd-medication-in-canada/
I hope this helps!
Dr. Kenny Handelman
May 13th, 2007 at 4:27 am
Any word on when Focalin will become available in Canada?
May 21st, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Shelley -
I am sorry, but I don’t know when focalin will come to Canada - if it even will.
If I hear anything - you know where I’ll post it - right here - and in my newsletter (so sign up in the box on the top of you haven’t already!)
Dr. Kenny
September 20th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
I am having a very hard time with my twin boys taking the Dexadrine tablets. Everyday is a new battle with the gagging& spitting the pill out. It is to the point where the EA at school does not like to give them the medication. I would love to have some suggestions and also be informed about the adhd patch!
Heather
September 20th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
I forgot to mention that I live in Canada!
Heather
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:52 am
Hi Heather,
A fellow Canadian!
The daytrana patch is not in Canada and it will likely be well into 2008 until we have it (if even that soon…). When I know that it is coming, I will certainly post it on this blog -so sign up for email updates to be sure to find out when.
For kids who can’t swallow pills - in Canada - there are three options:
1) Dexedrine Spansule -this older long acting form of dexedrine can be opened and sprinkled. Lasts about 8 hours.
2) Adderall XR - this newer long acting formulation of amphetamines can be sprinkled and lasts 12 hours.
3) Biphentin -this is a methylphenidate product -can be sprinkled. Lasts 10 hours or so.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Kenny
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:10 am
I have got to get the patch for my son. He’s going to high school next year and needs medication that will last the day. He can’t swallow (he tries but just can’t do it). Sprinkling medication on food makes him queezy…he can’t take it like this. He has resorted to chewing the Ritlin, he says it’s better than taking it with food or sprinkling capsules on food but Ritlin doesn’t give him the same support that slow release meds do and he has to take it at school which really embarasses him.
Is there a department or someone that parents can contact and demand faster action on making Daytrona available in Canada. What about press, can they help bring awareness and put pressure to move this process along.
I’m not a doctor… just a parent, but I find that most of these kids have a common problem…they can’t swallow meds and it sounds to me after reading comments from other parents on various websites that my kid is not the only one that the act of taking meds heightens his anxiety..what a way to start the day!
April 20th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I have Adult ADHD.I currenty take 20 mg SR of Ritalin.I live in B.C and I am on Disability.I was wonder does anyone know if there is any other covered Stimulents that are equally effective? And my main question is there any covered Patches Ritalin any type of Stimulant Patches at all that is now here.?This would really help if someone has the anwser.
April 20th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Hi,
Daytrana is not available in Canada yet. Hopefully it will be by 2009.
Regarding what is covered - I am not sure about BC, but in Ontario, there is Dexedrine Spansule - which can be covered with a doctor’s note.
All the best,
Dr. Kenny
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Thanks Doctor Handelman.Your the best!