Metformin - Glucophage

Type 2 diabetes - first-line treatment alongside diet and exercise. Also used off-licence in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and pre-diabetes.

Metformin reduces the amount of glucose your liver produces and improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin, so the insulin you make works better. It doesn’t stimulate extra insulin production, which is why it rarely causes hypos and doesn’t promote weight gain.

Adults with type 2 diabetes. Start low, increase slowly to reduce GI side effects. Modified-release (MR) formulations cause less stomach upset. Not suitable in severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30) or acute conditions that affect kidney function.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door. This medication requires blood test monitoring. We may request recent blood results or arrange testing before dispensing.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Metformin from £20.99 per pack.

Very common: GI disturbances (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite) - these usually improve over time. Take with or after food. Modified-release formulations are better tolerated. Rare but serious: lactic acidosis (seek emergency help for rapid breathing, muscle pain, drowsiness, abdominal pain).

Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30), diabetic ketoacidosis, conditions causing tissue hypoxia (heart failure, respiratory failure, recent MI), severe hepatic impairment, excessive alcohol intake.

Contrast media (CT/MRI dyes): stop metformin before and for 48 hours after. ACE inhibitors: may reduce blood glucose further. Alcohol: increased risk of lactic acidosis.

Oral antidiabetics are generally not recommended in pregnancy - insulin is preferred for blood glucose control. Metformin is sometimes used in pregnancy under specialist supervision (especially for gestational diabetes and PCOS). Stop other oral agents before conception.

Start at 500mg once daily with food, increasing gradually. GI side effects (nausea, diarrhoea, bloating) are common initially - the MR version is better tolerated. Take with or after meals. Stop temporarily if you’re severely dehydrated, having surgery, or having a contrast CT scan. Very rare but serious: lactic acidosis (seek urgent help if you develop rapid breathing, muscle pain or feel very unwell).