Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc announces that Health Canada has approved Adderall XR (mixed salts amphetamine), a once-daily treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The launch is underway and Adderall XR is now available on prescription in Canada.

“Adderall is the leading brand in the US for treatment of ADHD and the once-daily version, Adderall XR has rapidly become an important treatment option with patients, care givers and physicians. We are very pleased to now be able to bring the benefits of this medication to Canadians,” said Wilson Totten, executive vice president Global R&D, Shire Pharmaceuticals.

ADHD is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness severe enough to seriously interfere with a child’s ability to function in an academic or social setting. It is a condition that has been well documented. In North America, ADHD affects between three and seven per cent of school age children and up to 66 per cent of children will continue to show symptoms into adulthood.

Medical experts believe that the once-a-day formulation of Adderall XR will help with compliance. Also, the capsule can be easily opened and sprinkled on applesauce for children who have difficulty swallowing pills. Physicians estimate that between 10 and 20 per cent of patients have difficulty swallowing capsules.

Studies show that the consequences of not treating ADHD can be serious. Children with ADHD who do not receive treatment are at higher risk of experiencing problems ranging from increased substance abuse to antisocial behaviour and poor self-esteem.

Although there is no ‘cure’, ADHD can usually be successfully managed with a combination of educational approaches, psychological and behavioural therapies, social resources and medication. A recent study concluded that carefully monitored medication in combination with behavioural therapy is more effective than behavioural therapy alone.