Biguanide
Metformin in South Korea: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Metformin in South Korea under MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in KRW. Metformin belongs to the Biguanide class.
- Regulator
- MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
- Currency
- KRW
About Metformin
Metformin is indicated as first-line oral therapy in adults and selected paediatric populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus, alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, including insulin. In South Korea, prescription medicines (전문의약품) are dispensed only against a doctor's prescription, while general medicines (일반의약품) are sold OTC at pharmacies. The 2000 medical reform separated dispensing from prescribing — doctors prescribe, pharmacists dispense.
Mechanism and action
Metformin's principal effect is to suppress hepatic glucose production by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I, which raises the cellular AMP/ATP ratio and activates AMP-activated protein kinase.
Brands and generics in South Korea
In South Korea, Metformin is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Korean pharmacies (약국) are licensed by the MFDS and present in every neighbourhood, often clustered near clinics. Pharmacists verify each prescription and provide medication counselling at dispensing, with the National Health Insurance Service covering most prescription costs. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) equivalence rules, and the price difference in KRW is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online prescription dispensing is heavily restricted in South Korea — telemedicine and remote prescribing were expanded only temporarily during COVID-19 and remain limited. Direct online sale of prescription medication is not permitted; consumers can browse OTC products on chain-pharmacy websites. For Metformin specifically, the legal online options in South Korea depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety).
Frequently asked questions
Is Metformin available in South Korea? ▾
Yes — Metformin and its brands are available in South Korea through pharmacies authorised by MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Metformin in South Korea? ▾
In South Korea, prescription medicines (전문의약품) are dispensed only against a doctor's prescription, while general medicines (일반의약품) are sold OTC at pharmacies. The 2000 medical reform separated dispensing from prescribing — doctors prescribe, pharmacists dispense. The exact status of Metformin (Rx or OTC) is determined by MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety); most active ingredients in the Biguanide class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Metformin cost in South Korea? ▾
The price in KRW depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Metformin in South Korea
Metformin in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.