The clinical impact of switching attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients from OROS®-MPH to Novo-MPH ER-C®: A paediatric practice review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In Canada, novo-methylphenidate extended-release capsules (Novo-MPH ER-C, Novopharm Limited, Canada) was approved as being bioequivalent to a current first-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), CONCERTA (OROS-MPH, Janssen Inc, Canada). The present practice review was undertaken to determine whether bioequivalence of these products translates into therapeutic equivalence. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective, single-centre, observational review of consecutive paediatric ADHD patients pre-scribed OROS-MPH during a seven-month period. RESULTS: Of the 53 patients who had been switched to the bioequivalent product, 87% destabilized and 43% indicated a shorter duration of effect. In comparison, of those who never tried the second entry medication, only 26% destabilized. Qualitative data indicated differences with regard to side effects, efficacy and duration of effect. CONCLUSIONS: The present retrospective study indicated that Novo-MPH ER-C is not therapeutically equivalent to OROS-MPH. Once an individual with ADHD is effectively managed, disruption of their treatment should be avoided. © 2013 Pulsus Group Inc.