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Various brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets are in shortage. This medicine is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
To help manage this shortage, we have made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) that allows a pharmacist to dispense an alternative brand, formulation or strength, if appropriate, without a new prescription from the prescriber. The SSSI starts on 28 May 2025.
For detailed information about the shortage, the SSSI and important factors when considering a substitution, visit About the shortage of metformin immediate-release tablets.
For more information about SSSIs see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).