Ask the Experts

Roadblock at the Pharmacy

“My son’s doctor recently increased his Daytrana patch dose from 20 mg. to 30 mg. When I took in the new prescription, the pharmacist told me he doesn’t stock that dosage. Is there something we could supplement the patch with?”

Thirty mg. is a standard dose for Daytrana. It’s not acceptable for your pharmacist to tell you he doesn’t stock it. It’s the pharmacist’s job to fill the prescription your son’s doctor wrote out. If they don’t have a certain medication on hand, they should order it.

I would ask your pharmacist to order the 30 mg. patch, and tell him to call the doctor if he has any questions. You can supplement the 20 mg. patch with a 10 mg. patch until the correct dosage arrives.

FDA is warning that permanent loss of skin color may occur with use of the Daytrana patch (methylphenidate transdermal system) for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). FDA added a new warning to the drug label to describe this skin condition, which is known as chemical leukoderma. See the FDA Drug Safety Communication for more information.

Medication Switcheroo