Compounded Metformin
Oral liquid and custom-strength capsules for patients who cannot use the standard commercial products
Metformin tablets and a commercially manufactured metformin oral solution (Riomet, 500mg/5mL) are FDA-approved products, and for most patients one of them is the right choice. Some patients cannot use them — because of a strength that isn't manufactured, an inactive ingredient they react to, an administration route that requires a liquid, or a supply shortage. In those situations a prescriber may order a compounded preparation for that one patient, and our PCAB-accredited 503A pharmacy in Johnson City, TN prepares it.
Prescription required · Compounded preparations are not FDA approved · We do not prescribe
Talk to Your PrescriberWho a Compounded Metformin May Be Appropriate For
Your prescriber decides whether any of these apply to you. A compounded preparation is not an alternative to a commercially available product for patients who can use one.
Difficulty swallowing tablets
Patients with dysphagia may be prescribed an oral liquid instead of a solid dosage form when the prescriber determines a liquid is appropriate.
Feeding tube administration
Patients receiving medication through an enteral feeding tube may need a preparation their prescriber specifies for that route.
Precisely titrated or small doses
A prescriber may order a concentration that allows a small or precisely titrated dose that is not available as a manufactured product.
Dye or excipient sensitivity
Documented sensitivity to a dye, sugar, alcohol, preservative, or other inactive ingredient in the manufactured products may lead a prescriber to order a preparation without that ingredient.
A strength or concentration that isn't manufactured
When the prescribed strength or concentration is not commercially manufactured, a compounded preparation may be ordered for that individual patient.
Commercial backorder or shortage
If the commercially manufactured product is on backorder or in shortage, a prescriber may order a compounded preparation while that supply issue lasts.
Forms We Compound
Metformin oral liquid
An oral suspension or solution prepared at the concentration written on the prescription, with flavoring added when the prescriber orders it to support adherence.
Metformin capsules
Capsules in a custom strength, including dye-free, sugar-free, alcohol-free, or preservative-free preparations when a documented excipient sensitivity is part of the order.
Every preparation is made to a prescriber's order for an individual patient against a valid prescription. We do not compound preparations that are essentially copies of commercially available drug products, and compounded preparations are not FDA approved.
How to Get It
Ask your prescriber
Start the conversation with the provider who manages your care. How to ask your doctor about a compounded medication.
Transfer an existing prescription
Already have a prescription at another pharmacy? Request a prescription transfer.
New patients
First time with us? Complete the new patient form.
Prescribers
Discuss a patient-specific formulation with our pharmacists on our prescriber page, or contact us with questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Safety Information
Commercial metformin labeling carries a boxed warning about lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication. Kidney function matters with metformin, and your prescriber may order lab work before and during treatment. Only your prescriber can decide whether metformin — in any form — is suitable for you, and only your prescriber sets your dose.
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about your full medical history, kidney function, alcohol use, and all other medications and supplements you take. If you experience unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, or severe stomach discomfort, seek medical care right away.
This is not medical advice. This page is general information about compounding services and is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation, or a substitute for care from your licensed healthcare provider.
FDA disclaimer: Compounded preparations are not FDA approved. The FDA does not evaluate compounded preparations for safety, effectiveness, or quality. ProCompounding Pharmacy is a 503A compounding pharmacy regulated by state boards of pharmacy, and prepares medications only against a valid prescription for an individual patient. References to FDA approval on this page refer solely to commercially manufactured metformin products, not to anything we compound.
Questions About a Metformin Formulation?
Our pharmacists can talk through options with you or your prescriber. We do not prescribe — your prescriber makes the clinical decision and writes the prescription.
Contact Our Pharmacy