CONCERTA®- An Established Safety Profile

Many parents worry or feel guilty about medications in general-if they are safe, if they will work, and if they will last long enough during the day. Your concerns are valid and understandable. Below is an established profile on the efficacy and safety of CONCERTA®.

  • The most commonly prescribed ADHD medication today is methylphenidate-the medicine in CONCERTA®.
  • Guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend medications like CONCERTA® among first-line therapies for children with ADHD as part of a comprehensive treatment program. Click here for the Medication Guide.
  • CONCERTA® is generally well tolerated in children and adolescents with ADHD.
    • The most common adverse events reported in children receiving up to 54 mg of CONCERTA® were headache (14%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%) and abdominal pain (7%).
    • The most common adverse events reported by adolescents receiving up to 72 mg of CONCERTA® were headache (9%), accidental injury (6%) and insomnia (5%).

IMPORTANT NOTE ON ADHD MEDICATIONS:

There are a number of ADHD medications on the market. Their history and safety record are extremely important to consider when you and your child's doctor are selecting the course of therapy that's right for your child. If you see reports in the media about ADHD medications that concern you, you should discuss these issues with your child's doctor. A doctor is best qualified to help you decide what is right for you and your child.

CONCERTA® SIDE EFFECTS

When taking any prescription medication, including CONCERTA®, your child's doctor or pharmacist can advise you of possible side effects that may result.

The most common adverse events of CONCERTA® that were reported in children receiving up to 54 mg were headache, upper respiratory tract infection and abdominal pain.

The most common adverse events of CONCERTA® that were reported by adolescents receiving up to 72 mg were headache, accidental injury and insomnia.

ADDITIONAL CONCERTA® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Only a doctor can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients with: significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; glaucoma; Tourette's syndrome, tics, or family history of Tourette's syndrome. Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs, has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, seizures, high blood pressure or has had any heart problems or defects. If your child develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal, extreme moods and/or excessive activity, or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®, consult your healthcare professional.


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