The prescription of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication has increased nearly 2.4 times over the past four years. In contrast, the prescription of appetite suppressants, one of the same class of medical narcotics, has shown a steady decline.
According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the number of patients prescribed methylphenidate, an ADHD medication, was about 338,000 last year, up 40.4% from the previous year (about 281,000). This figure has more than doubled in just four years from 143,000 in 2020.
During the same period, the prescription volume of the medication increased from 37,709,000 tablets to 90,197,000 tablets, which is interpreted as a result of the increased social interest in ADHD medications along with the rise in the number of patients. Looking at the age of patients prescribed medication, those under 10 accounted for the largest portion at 45.3% (about 153,000), followed by those in their 20s at 25.9%, 30s at 17.1%, 40s at 6.3%, and 50s at 2.3%.
In contrast, prescriptions for appetite suppressants used in obesity treatment are gradually decreasing. Last year, about 1,101,000 patients were prescribed appetite suppressants, a decrease of about 43,000 (3.8%) compared to the previous year. Compared to 1,309,000 in 2020, this figure represents a decrease of 15.9%.
This situation is analyzed as a phenomenon where lower-addiction obesity treatments, such as Saxenda and Wegovy, are recognized as alternatives. Particularly, Wegovy, referred to as "the miracle diet drug," has seen a surge in demand despite its high price of over 372,000 won for a pen (4-week supply).
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to discuss expanding the system that allows medical personnel to check patients' medication histories in advance to include ADHD medications and appetite suppressants, in addition to the existing fentanyl system, starting next month. Additionally, in September, there will be efforts to adjust the manufacturing and import quantities based on the predicted demand for appetite suppressants.