Andorra Restores Supply of Elvanse, an ADHD Medication, After Months of Shortages

Andorra has restored the supply of Elvanse, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), following several months of shortages that affected the availability of the treatment in the Principality.

The medication became available again in October 2026, according to Health Minister Helena Mas, who confirmed the situation in a written parliamentary response to questions submitted by Noemí Amador, a member of parliament representing Andorra Endavant.

The minister acknowledged that shortages of lisdexamfetamine, the active ingredient in Elvanse, have affected several European markets for an extended period.

In Andorra, the situation worsened during 2026 after Takeda Farmacéutica España, the pharmaceutical company marketing the only lisdexamfetamine medication available on the Spanish market, reported supply limitations that prevented it from fulfilling orders from the Principality as usual.

Shortages of Other ADHD Medications Increased Demand for Elvanse

According to Mas, the supply difficulties were partly linked to earlier shortages of methylphenidate during 2024 and 2025, particularly extended-release formulations.

Methylphenidate is commonly used as a first-line treatment for ADHD, while lisdexamfetamine is considered a second-line therapeutic option, particularly when the initial treatment does not produce an adequate clinical response.

Difficulties obtaining methylphenidate led healthcare professionals to prescribe alternatives such as Elvanse in certain cases.

This increased demand, combined with the manufacturer's supply limitations, contributed to worsening shortages of lisdexamfetamine in Andorra.

To address the situation, the Ministry of Health maintained regular contact with Takeda to monitor supply forecasts, track orders and explore possible solutions.

According to the minister, the pharmaceutical company has committed to supplying Andorra to the extent of its capabilities.

Strict Regulations Complicate ADHD Medication Imports

Another factor affecting the availability of Elvanse in Andorra is the regulation of lisdexamfetamine as a psychotropic substance.

The minister explained that Spain strengthened its controls on April 22, 2026, when lisdexamfetamine was added to Schedule II of its regulated psychotropic substances.

Since then, importing the medication from Spain has required authorisation from Andorra's Ministry of Health and an export permit issued by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices (AEMPS).

Additional customs procedures can significantly extend the time between placing an order and receiving the medication.

Furthermore, the importation and distribution of narcotic and psychotropic medicines in Andorra are handled by a single authorised operator, Farmaco, SA, which performs this function under a contract awarded through a competitive tender process.

The Government also noted that although other lisdexamfetamine-based medications have been authorised, they are not marketed in Spain, limiting the alternatives available to Andorra.

Andorra Considers Importing ADHD Medication From France

Despite the restoration of Elvanse supplies, Andorra's Ministry of Health is exploring alternative import channels to reduce dependence on a single pharmaceutical manufacturer and minimise the risk of future shortages.

One possibility under consideration is importing medication from France, where Xurta, another lisdexamfetamine-based treatment, has been available in all formulations since April 2026.

However, this alternative presents financial and administrative challenges.

According to Helena Mas, the formulations marketed in France are not covered by public healthcare funding in that country and are more expensive than those available in Spain.

The Government therefore considers that any alternative supply arrangement must take several factors into account, including import authorisations, product availability, continuity of supply, pricing and distribution arrangements.

Health Ministry Seeks to Prevent Future ADHD Medication Shortages

The restoration of Elvanse supplies in October marks an improvement in the availability of ADHD treatment in Andorra.

Nevertheless, the difficulties experienced over recent months have highlighted the country's dependence on external pharmaceutical markets and the regulatory challenges involved in importing certain controlled medicines.

The Ministry of Health has stated that it will continue examining alternative supply arrangements to improve reliability and reduce the risk of future disruptions.

Although Elvanse supplies have now been restored, Andorra is continuing its efforts to secure a more stable and diversified supply of ADHD medications.