DHSC Medicines Supply Notice – Metformin 500mg/5ml oral solution sugar free

The DHSC Medicines Supply team have circulated the following Tier 2 Medicines Supply Notification concerning metformin 500mg/5ml oral solution sugar free: MSN 2021_045 Metformin oral solution 500mg in 5ml

During the last three months for which data is available, 864 patients (cf total population >4.5 million) received supplies of metformin 500mg/5ml oral solution sugar free from pharmacies dispensing prescriptions issued by practices within the NECS MO footprint [C&NE plus Humber & Coast and parts of W Yorks]. Most practices issued fewer than two prescriptions during that period. This is consistent with cautious use of oral solution – and suggests that scope to substitute metformin tablets may be very limited.