Medicine shortage alert

Various brands of metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg immediate-release tablets are in shortage. 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 started 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).