About the shortage of metformin immediate-release tablets

Summary: 

• Supply of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has improved, with most brands now available.
• The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) implemented during the shortage lapsed on 1 September 2025 and is no longer in force.

The supply situation for metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets has improved, with most brands now available. The brands still in shortage are anticipated to return to supply by early 2026. Up-to-date information about the shortages of individual brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release is published on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database, which can be searched by the medicine’s trade name (brand) or active ingredient (metformin).

As most metformin brands are now available, we have allowed the Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) implemented during the shortage to lapse as of 1 September 2025. The SSSI that is no longer in force allowed a pharmacist to dispense an alternative brand, strength or formulation, if appropriate, without a new prescription. 

Information for patients

Most brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets are now back in supply.

The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) which temporarily allowed pharmacists to dispense a substitute medicine without a new prescription lapsed on 1 September 2025 and is no longer in force. 

If you are still unable to fill your prescription, please speak to your doctor about suitable alternatives.

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

While most brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets have returned to supply, a small number remain in shortage. Normal supply of these brands is anticipated to resume by early 2026. Up-to-date information about the shortages of individual brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release is published on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database.

Consider the current shortage of some brands of metformin 1000 mg immediate-release tablet products when prescribing for your patients, particularly when initiating new patients. 

During the shortage, your patients may have switched between brands, strengths and formulations of metformin when the prescribed medicine was unavailable.

The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) lapsed on 1 September 2025, but pharmacists are now able to dispense the medicine originally prescribed by you in most cases. If a patient is still unable to fill their prescription, they may be referred to you to discuss suitable alternatives.

Consider checking how your patient is using any remaining substitute medicine at their next appointment.

Information for pharmacists 

Most brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets have now returned to supply. 

The SSSI for metformin 1000 mg immediate-release tablets lapsed on 1 September 2025 and is no longer in force.

If the prescribed medicine is unavailable, you may need to refer patients to their prescriber to discuss treatment options. 

General information

As the dates for anticipated return to supply can change, we encourage you to check the Medicine shortage reports database for updates about the remaining metformin hydrochloride products in shortage.

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.