Buy Metformin Online in Australia – Here’s What You Should Know First

Emerging Writers' Festival  
22/04/2016

We spoke with Brodie Lancaster ahead of her appearance at the  launch of the  highly anticipated 2016 Emerging Writers’ Festival Program.  A superstar in our eyes, we can’t wait to hear her talk to us all about failure and ambition at The Wheeler Centre on 10 May.

You are performing at our Program Launch: ‘Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars’. Do you have moments you think about that encapsulate this theme in your own life?
You’ll have to hear my talk at the Program Launch to know the answer to that!
JK, but kind of. I guess all those in-between moments of limbo I’ve had in my life—times when I decided to move across the world or cut ties with someone or start (or quit) a big project—present that opportunity to either succeed or fail spectacularly. The decisions we make during those cloudy moments are what I think about when I hear the phrase, Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars.

You do a lot – you founded the zine Filmme Fatales, you’re senior editor of The Good Copy, you write stuff yourself and have contributed to publications widely, plus more – how do you juggle all these things and transition between hats?
It’s not super glamorous or inspiring, but I don’t do much more but work. Even right now, I’m writing these answers as I go HAM on my inbox on an Amtrak from Portland to Seattle, where I’m giving a big talk tomorrow. But ultimately, everything I do kiiiiinda connects in some way, so each disparate job helps another.
The Good Copy is my day job—I’m a senior editor there and I work on editorial copywriting projects from nine to five—and it helps to keep my brain active and work out my technical writing muscles.
I put that exercise into practice when it comes to freelancing and I need to take feedback, be concise and clear in my arguments and phrase juuust the right tweet to share stuff I’ve written. (lol)
I work on Filmme Fatales both at work (it’s published by The Good Copy) and during any moment of downtime I have.
Oh, and I’m also trying to write a book right now hahahaha. I know.

What have you been working on lately?
I’m at the end of a two-month trip around America right now. While here, I’ve been covering the SXSW Film program for Filmme Fatales, I gave a talk in New York City and I’m about to give a talk on fangirls and One Direction at the EMP Pop Conference in Seattle. After that, I’m going to be taking a week in LA to work on my book a little more before I come home and get back into everything I talked about doing in the previous question.

What are you excited by in the Australian literary landscape at the moment?
Without sounding like a douchey name-dropper, I’m excited by how many people I know (or even just people my age, with similar levels of writing and life experience as I have) have books out that I can buy and read, and that so many other people can too! The first thing I’m doing when I get home is buying Jennifer Down’s Our Magic Hour; I just saw Omar Musa’s book Here Come The Dogs at Powell’s in Portland; Minna Gilligan’s Time After Time, which came out last year, is one of my favourite non-fiction books. As someone who is trying to write a book right now and who never ever thought I would or could or should write a book, it’s encouraging and invigorating to read incredible work by people who make that feel possible.

Have you any advice for fellow writers?
I have a lot! But real quick, I think it is very important to remember to write what you know and like, and not what you think you’re supposed to be writing for whatever trend/style/internetty reason.

What aspects of the Emerging Writers’ Festival do you look forward to?
I love seeing everyone from Twitter IRL!!!!!! Also I really love the diversity of the programming (shoutout to me and my fellow cute’n’smart members of this year’s Programming Advisory Committee) and the commitment EWF has always had to programming people who aren’t just ~big names~; I always hear about or meet people at the festival whose work I didn’t know about before the event takes place.

Brodie Lancaster is the editor of Filmme Fatales, a zine about women and cinema, and a senior editor at The Good Copy, a writing studio in Collingwood. 

She has written for Rookie, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Vulture and other publications. Her first book, a pop culture memoir called No Way! Okay, Fine!, will be out next year with Hachette.

Early Bird Tickets to The National Writers’ Conference are available now. Taking place over two days, with over seventy speakers, The National Writers’ Conference features panels, conversations, and performances, allowing you meet this year’s Ambassadors and other writers from around Australia.

Golden Tickets to the Emerging Writers’ Festival are also available now. Golden Tickets are your passport to the Emerging Writers’ Festival. They will give you access to the National Writers’ Conference, plus the rest of the festival including all panels, talks, performances and selected workshops.

The 2016 Emerging Writers’ Festival program launches on Tuesday, 10 May at The Wheeler Centre.

Metformin: What You Need To Know Before You Buy (Yes, It’s That Important). Visit Our Pharmacy ↓


Metformin in Australia: A Doctor’s Evidence-Based Review for Adults Over 30

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Always consult your GP, endocrinologist, or obstetrician before starting or changing any medication.

Attention: The Silent Health Problems Many Australians Over 30 Face

If you are over 30, you may have already heard the words “your blood sugar is a little high” or “you have insulin resistance”. You are not alone. In Australia, type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and gestational diabetes are all rising sharply. You may feel tired, struggle with stubborn weight gain—especially around the belly—or worry about your heart, your mood, and the long-term damage high blood sugar can cause.

Many people over 30 tell me they are frustrated. They try diets, exercise programs, and supplements but still see their HbA1c creeping up. They worry about needing daily injections, about heart failure, about pregnancy complications, and about dementia or depression. The truth is, high blood sugar is not just about sugar—it is an engine problem affecting your whole body.

What if there were a medication that has been used for over 60 years, is proven to lower blood sugar, does not cause weight gain, protects the heart, and costs very little on the PBS? That medication exists. It is called metformin.

Interest: Why Metformin Deserves Your Attention

Metformin is a biguanide medication and the first-line oral glucose-lowering drug for type 2 diabetes in Australia. It is endorsed by the Australian Diabetes Society, the RACGP, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It works mainly by reducing the amount of glucose your liver produces and by improving your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Unlike many diabetes drugs, metformin is weight-neutral or may even help you lose a little weight.

Below is a quick snapshot of what you need to know.

Key facts about metformin for Australian adults
Feature Detail
Half-life About 6 hours in the blood, but the clinical effect lasts much longer. Extended-release (XR) formulations provide smooth 24-hour coverage with once-daily dosing.
What is metformin hydrochloride extended-release in Australia? It is the same active ingredient as regular metformin, but formulated to release slowly in the gut. Australian brands include Diabex XR, Glucophage XR, and Metex XR. It reduces nausea and diarrhoea and allows once-daily dosing, usually with the evening meal.
PBS listing Yes. Metformin is subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for type 2 diabetes and other approved indications, making it very affordable.
Main actions Lowers fasting and after-meal blood glucose; reduces liver glucose production; improves insulin sensitivity; may reduce cardiovascular risk.
Weight effect Weight-neutral or mild weight loss—unlike insulin or sulfonylureas, which often cause weight gain.
Common side effects Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort. These usually settle after 1–2 weeks. The extended-release form is much better tolerated.

As a doctor, I often recommend metformin because it treats the root of the problem—insulin resistance—not just the symptom of high sugar. It has an excellent long-term safety record when used correctly.

Desire: Your Specific Concerns, Answered by a Doctor

Can metformin prevent macrosomia?

Macrosomia means a baby born weighing more than 4 kg. It is more common in pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes (GDM), type 2 diabetes, obesity, or PCOS. A big baby can lead to difficult delivery, shoulder dystocia, caesarean section, and long-term metabolic risks for the child.

Yes, in selected women, metformin can reduce the risk of macrosomia. It works by lowering maternal insulin resistance and reducing the excess glucose that crosses the placenta and over-feeds the baby. In the landmark MiG trial, women with gestational diabetes treated with metformin had fewer large-for-gestational-age babies and gained less weight during pregnancy compared with insulin. Follow-up studies have not shown worse outcomes for children.

However, metformin crosses the placenta. It is not always the first choice for GDM in Australian guidelines—insulin is still preferred by some specialists—but metformin is increasingly used as an alternative or add-on. Every pregnancy is different, so this decision must be made with your obstetrician or endocrinologist. But if you are worried about a big baby and want to avoid daily insulin injections, metformin may be a reasonable option to discuss.

Can metformin be used in heart failure?

Many adults over 30 worry about heart failure, especially if they have diabetes. In the past, metformin was contraindicated in heart failure because doctors feared a rare side effect called lactic acidosis. Newer evidence has turned that thinking around.

Yes, metformin can be used in stable heart failure as long as kidney function is acceptable (eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73m²). In fact, large real-world studies show that people with type 2 diabetes and stable heart failure who take metformin have lower rates of hospitalisation and death compared with those who do not. The key is to avoid metformin during acute decompensated heart failure—for example, if you are admitted to hospital with fluid overload or severe breathlessness—and to stop it temporarily during acute illness or dehydration.

Always tell your GP or cardiologist about any history of heart failure. But do not automatically assume metformin is off the table. It may actually be one of the best choices for your heart.

Metformin and depression: any effect?

Depression is common in people with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome. The relationship goes both ways: depression makes it harder to manage blood sugar, and high blood sugar worsens brain inflammation and mood.

Emerging research suggests that metformin may improve depressive symptoms in people with diabetes or insulin resistance. It is not an antidepressant and should not replace standard mental health care, but it may help by reducing inflammation, improving insulin signalling in the brain, and stabilising glucose levels. Some patients report better energy, better sleep, and a more stable mood after starting metformin. If you are struggling with low mood alongside high blood sugar or PCOS, metformin might be a useful part of your overall treatment plan—alongside psychological support and, if needed, antidepressant medication.

Can you take metformin with other supplements?

Many Australians over 30 take supplements. The good news is that metformin has few major interactions with common vitamins and minerals. However, there are some important points to know.

Metformin and common supplements: what is safe?
Supplement Advice
Vitamin B12 Metformin can reduce B12 absorption over time. Low B12 causes fatigue, tingling, memory problems, and nerve pain. Have your B12 level checked at least once a year. If low, supplement with B12 (oral or injection).
Omega-3 fish oil Safe to take with metformin. No significant interaction.
Folic acid Safe, especially important for women planning pregnancy. No interaction with metformin.
Coenzyme Q10 Generally safe. Some people take it for energy or heart health. No major interaction.
Calcium and iron No direct drug interaction, but to reduce stomach upset, take metformin with food. Separate by 2 hours if you want to be extra cautious.
Berberine Berberine also lowers blood sugar and may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia or lactic acidosis when combined with metformin. Avoid combining unless under specialist supervision.
Alcohol Not a supplement, but avoid heavy or binge drinking. Excess alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis, especially if you have kidney or liver problems.

What dose of metformin is used for GDM?

For gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), metformin is used off-label in Australia, meaning it is not specifically registered for this indication but is commonly prescribed by specialists. The typical approach is:

Many women tolerate metformin better than insulin and appreciate avoiding daily injections. However, because metformin crosses the placenta, the decision must be made after a careful discussion of risks and benefits. Ask your obstetric team whether metformin is right for your pregnancy.

Prevention of MALA in Australia

MALA is metformin-associated lactic acidosis, a very rare but serious side effect. The key to prevention is not fear—it is knowing when to stop and monitoring kidney function.

How Australian doctors prevent MALA: kidney function and dosing
Kidney function (eGFR mL/min/1.73m²) Metformin advice
≥60 Safe to use standard doses. Check kidney function at least once a year.
45–59 Continue with caution. Do not start at high dose. Monitor every 6–12 months.
30–44 Use with caution. Maximum dose usually 1000 mg daily. Monitor every 3 months.
<30 Metformin is contraindicated. Stop it and discuss alternatives.
Acute illness, dehydration, iodinated contrast, major surgery Temporarily withhold metformin. Restart only after kidney function is stable and normal eating/drinking resumes.

In Australia, your GP will organise regular blood tests to check your kidney function and HbA1c. This simple monitoring makes MALA extremely rare. Do not stop metformin because of internet horror stories—instead, follow the safety rules and keep your GP informed.

Action: Take Control of Your Health Today

If you are over 30 and have been told you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or gestational diabetes—or if you are simply struggling with weight, fatigue, and high insulin—metformin could be a turning point. It is safe, effective, affordable, and backed by decades of evidence.

Here is what I recommend you do next:

  1. Book an appointment with your GP. Ask for a full check-up including HbA1c, fasting glucose, kidney function (eGFR), vitamin B12, and blood pressure.
  2. Ask about metformin. Say: “Doctor, is metformin appropriate for me? Should I consider the extended-release form to reduce stomach upset?”
  3. Discuss all your conditions. Mention any history of heart failure, depression, pregnancy plans, or GDM.
  4. Get your prescription filled. Metformin is available at every Australian pharmacy. With a PBS script, you will likely pay only a small co-payment—or even less if you have a concession card.
  5. Commit to monitoring. See your GP every 6–12 months for kidney function and HbA1c. Do not skip these checks.

You do not have to accept fatigue, weight gain, or the fear of diabetes complications as normal parts of ageing. Metformin is not a magic pill, but for many people over 30, it is the closest thing we have to a safe, proven, everyday medication that treats the root cause of metabolic disease. Talk to your GP today and ask if metformin is right for you.



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