Shire opposes the misuse, abuse, and diversion of prescription medicines approved for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD medicines have demonstrated effectiveness in managing ADHD symptoms, but, like all prescription medications, they come with potential side effects and should be used only as prescribed and under careful medical supervision. Shire firmly believes that only trained and licensed healthcare professionals should diagnose and evaluate individuals for ADHD.
As a socially responsible company, Shire is concerned about reports of misuse, abuse, and diversion of ADHD medicines, and, as such, is committed to combating this nonmedical use:
- We have invested in a variety of educational tools and support for patients, parents, and healthcare professionals on the appropriate diagnosis of ADHD, treatment options, and proper use of our medicines.
- We are working in partnership with a variety of external stakeholders to combat misuse, abuse, and diversion.
As a leader in ADHD education and treatment, Shire’s first obligation is to people who have been appropriately diagnosed with ADHD by a healthcare professional. ADHD is a real psychiatric disorder that requires management. Ultimately we believe when people who don’t need ADHD medicines take them, they trivialize a real psychiatric disorder and take medicines away from people who really need them.