Metformin 850mg: Cost, Savings, and How to Pay Less
Metformin 850mg is a higher-dose diabetes medication, but most patients with type 2 diabetes receive free NHS prescriptions via medical exemption.
How much does Metformin 850mg cost on the NHS?
Metformin 850mg has a Drug Tariff price of approximately 65p for a 56-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 850mg actually cost?
The NHS Drug Tariff lists the reimbursement price for Metformin 850mg at approximately 65p per 56-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
65p
per pack
NHS charge
£9.90
1,423% 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 850mg is a standard higher dose for type 2 diabetes management, often prescribed when the initial 500mg dose has been titrated upward. It provides effective blood glucose control with a good safety profile.
RepeatsDirect does not include Metformin 850mg in our private prescription service because most patients with type 2 diabetes in England qualify for free NHS prescriptions through a medical exemption certificate. We recommend all diabetic patients check their exemption eligibility at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
If you are taking metformin for a non-diabetic indication (such as polycystic ovary syndrome), please contact us to discuss your individual situation.
Is Metformin available through RepeatsDirect?
Most patients with type 2 diabetes qualify for free NHS prescriptions. Check your medical exemption certificate eligibility.