Download Metformin (Glucophage) SACHETS discontinuation

Metformin (Glucophage) SACHETS discontinuation
Merck Serono is discontinuing metformin 500mg and 1000mg sachets due to unforeseen
manufacturing issues.
Advice to Prescribers.
Practices are advised to review all patients currently receiving metformin oral powder sachets to
determine if a liquid formulation is still clinically appropriate.
1. Patients able to swallow tablets should be switched to metformin standard release tablets.
2. Metformin modified release (MR) tablets are oval-shaped and may be easier to swallow than
standard release tablets. These could be considered in patients who are receiving other
medication as solid dosage forms but just unable to swallow immediate release metformin.
3. There is a licensed liquid alternative, metformin oral solution 500 mg / 5 ml (£69.56 per
150ml) which should be offered to patients with swallowing difficulties or patients on a PEG
tube. This is also the preferred choice of Warrington and Halton Hospitals Foundation Trust.
Long term need for liquid formulation should be reviewed regularly at medication reviews.
Product
Metformin tablets 500mg tds
Metformin MR tablets 500mg 3/day
Metformin oral solution sugar-free 500mg/5ml
500mg tds
Discontinued product: metformin sachets
500mg tds
Lucy Reid
Senior Prescribing Adviser
3rd June 2014
Cost for 28 days (Drug Tariff April 2014)
£2.61
£7.98
£194.77
£9.21