Metformin hydrochloride vs Acarbose
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Metformin hydrochloride was dispensed 1,390.5× as often as Acarbose in May 2026 — 2,247,052 items versus 1,616 in England.
2,247,052items
Metformin hydrochloride · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
1,616items
Acarbose · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Metformin hydrochloride versus Acarbose: national items dispensed by month
▬ Metformin hydrochloride · ╌ Acarbose
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Metformin hydrochloride | Acarbose |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 2,247,052 | 1,616 |
| Items, last 12 months | 27,404,281 | 19,815 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £4,969,944 | £33,542 |
See the full profile for Metformin hydrochloride or Acarbose.