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The supply situation for metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has significantly improved. Up-to-date information about any remaining shortages is published on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database, which can be searched by a medicine’s trade name (brand) or active ingredient (metformin).
As the supply of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has significantly improved, we have allowed the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) implemented during the shortage to lapse as of 1 September 2025. The SSSI had allowed a pharmacist to dispense an alternative brand, strength or formulation, if appropriate, without a new prescription.
Information for patients
The supply of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has significantly improved, and the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) which temporarily allowed pharmacists to dispense a substitute medicine without a new prescription is no longer in force.
If you are unable to fill your prescription, please speak to your doctor about a suitable alternative.
We understand the importance of a reliable supply of this medicine for patients with diabetes. We also appreciate the concern and frustration this shortage may have caused.
Information for prescribers
The supply of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has significantly improved, and the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) which temporarily allowed pharmacists to dispense a substitute medicine without a new prescription is no longer in force. Up-to-date information about any remaining shortages is published on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.
During the shortage, your patients may have switched between brands, strengths and formulations of metformin when the prescribed medicine was unavailable. Consider checking if they are using any remaining substitute medicine at their next appointment.
If a patient is unable to fill their prescription, they may be referred to you to talk about a suitable alternative.
Information for pharmacists
The supply of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has now significantly improved, and the SSSI is no longer in force.
If you are unable to fill a patient's prescription, you may need to refer them to their prescriber to talk about suitable alternatives.
General information
For up-to-date information about any remaining shortages, please check the Medicine shortage reports database.
Please also keep in mind that we can work with pharmaceutical companies to communicate information about medicine shortages to health professionals and patients, but we cannot compel companies to increase supply.
While we can suggest approaches to manage the supply of medicines during shortages, we do not have the power to regulate the clinical decisions of health professionals.
We will continue to monitor the supply of metformin hydrochloride immediate-release tablets and work with the suppliers and relevant health professionals to update this advice if needed.
Reporting problems
Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines. Your report will contribute to the TGA's monitoring of these products.
The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medicine or vaccine.