Joint Formulary & PAD

Metformin hydrochloride - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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Status 1

Green (see narrative)
Formulations :
  • Modified release tablets
  • Tablets
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
Off Label
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important

ADULTS

Immediate release preparations are considered as first-line. Prolonged release preparations used only to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Note: 1000mg (1g) immediate release tablets are disproportionately expensive in primary care than equivalent metformin 500mg immediate release tablets. Prescribe in multiples of 500mg immediate release tablets or as modified release tablets.

 

Status 2

Blue
Formulations :
  • Modified release tablets
  • Tablets
Formulary Status :
Primary Care
ASPH
RSFT
SASH
SABP
Associated Icons :
Off Label
SPC
Restrictions / Comments :
Important

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

The specialist team should initiate treatment and prescribe for a minimum of 3 months before request to transfer to primary care

Immediate release preparations are considered as first-line. Prolonged release preparations used only to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Note: 1000mg (1g) immediate release tablets are disproportionately expensive in primary care than equivalent metformin 500mg immediate release tablets. Prescribe in multiples of 500mg immediate release tablets or as modified release tablets.

Documentation

Evidence Review
Metformin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - February 2026

PAD Profile

ChemicalSubstance :
Metformin hydrochloride
Indication :
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Group Name :
Keywords :
PCOS
Brand Names Include :
Important Information :
Latest Additions Date From :
04 Feb 2026
Latest Additions Date To :
04 Mar 2026
Guidelines :
Supporting Documents :
1
Traffic Light Entries :
2

Committee Recommendations (1)

04 Feb 26 - Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee (APC)

The Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System Area Prescribing Committee agreed that metformin for the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) will be given the following traffic light statuses

Adults:

Metformin is GREEN for use in PCOS.

For children and adolescents:

Metformin is BLUE (with specialist team initiation) and prescribing for a minimum of 3 months before request to transfer to primary care for use in PCOS.

In all age groups immediate release preparations are considered as first-line. Prescribers will also be asked to prescribe in multiples of 500mg because the 1000mg (1g) immediate release (IR) tablets are disproportionately expensive in primary care than the equivalent 500mg IR tablets

Prolonged release preparations used only to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Other Indications

Below are listed other indications that Metformin hydrochloride is used to treat.

Other Drugs

Below are listed other drugs that are used to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

  • No records returned.