Metformin is a steady-demand line for retail pharmacy and telehealth. This guide covers stocking levels, storage, shelf life and reorder planning.
- 4
- Strengths to stock
- 100
- Units per SKU wholesale tier
- 7–14
- Working days transit
- 24 h
- Order confirmation
Stocking profile
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dosage form | tablet / extended-release tablet |
| Strengths in demand | 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms |
| Storage requirement | below 30 °C |
| Handling | Controlled ambient, protected from moisture |
| Repeat pattern | Patients treated for first-line type 2 diabetes typically reorder on a regular cycle, so forecast from dispensing history. |
Reorder planning
- 1
Forecast from dispensing data
Use the last three months of movement per strength rather than a flat average.
- 2
Set a reorder point
Cover the 7–14 working day transit window plus a safety buffer.
- 3
Consolidate SKUs
Combine lines onto one consignment to cut freight per unit.
- 4
Rotate stock
First-expiry-first-out on every receipt, with expiry logged at goods-in.
Metformin at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drug class | biguanide |
| Common brand | Glucophage |
| Licensed use | first-line type 2 diabetes |
| Available strengths | 500 mg, 850 mg, 1000 mg, XR forms |
| Dosage form | tablet / extended-release tablet |
| Typical onset | glycaemic effect over 1–2 weeks |
| Duration / dosing interval | immediate release 8–12 hours; XR 24 hours |
| Storage | below 30 °C |
