Metformin 500mg: Cost, Savings, and How to Pay Less
Metformin 500mg is the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, but most patients qualify for free NHS prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate.
How much does Metformin 500mg cost on the NHS?
Metformin 500mg has a Drug Tariff price of approximately 45p for a 28-tablets pack — a full month's supply. Yet NHS patients in England pay a flat £9.90 per item. With 40m items dispensed in 2024/25, Metformin is one of the most prescribed drugs in England.
How much does Metformin 500mg actually cost?
The NHS Drug Tariff lists the reimbursement price for Metformin 500mg at approximately 45p per 28-tablets pack. This is the price the NHS pays pharmacies for the drug itself. The NHS prescription charge of £9.90 covers this drug cost plus dispensing fees, administration, and a contribution to NHS services — but for cheap generic drugs, it represents a significant markup.
Drug Tariff cost
45p
per pack
NHS charge
£9.90
2,100% markup
Our price
N/A
not available
Metformin has approximately 40m items dispensed annually in England (NHSBSA PCA 2024/25).
What is Metformin used for?
Metformin is the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, used to control blood sugar levels. It is one of the most prescribed drugs in England. The 500mg starting dose is the standard initial dose for managing type 2 diabetes.
Although the Drug Tariff price for Metformin 500mg is only approximately 45p per 28-tablet pack, RepeatsDirect does not include it in our private prescription service. This is because most patients with type 2 diabetes in England qualify for free NHS prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate (MedEx). If you are diabetic and paying prescription charges, you should check whether you qualify for an exemption before switching to a private prescription.
Patients who genuinely do not qualify for a prescription exemption and are not diabetic but taking metformin off-label may wish to contact us to discuss their individual situation.
Is Metformin available through RepeatsDirect?
Most patients with type 2 diabetes qualify for free NHS prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate. We recommend checking your exemption eligibility before switching to a private prescription.