Search for articles or Rx savings
Key takeaways
Metformin is an inexpensive, first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes. It is typically covered by health insurance, but without insurance, a one-month supply can cost around $165.
The cost of metformin can be significantly reduced with a SingleCare savings card, allowing for prices as low as $6 for a 30-day supply.
Comparing pharmacy prices and considering a 90-day prescription can further decrease the financial burden of purchasing metformin.
Local health departments and asking about combination metformin drugs can provide additional avenues for cost savings on this essential diabetes medication.
Metformin, also known by the brand names Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and Riomet ER, is a generic prescription drug used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It reduces blood glucose levels by increasing the uptake of blood sugar by the body’s cells. Because metformin is a commonly available generic drug, it is typically the lowest-cost diabetes medication. The price may vary based on what dosage form is prescribed.
Save up to 80% on Metformin with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
RELATED: Metformin side effects
How much does metformin cost without insurance?
Metformin is a commonly prescribed and inexpensive generic drug. A one-month prescription for 60, 500 mg tablets averages around $165, almost $3 per tablet. Most people will take metformin for several years, if not a lifetime, so patients can expect to pay about $2000 a year if they pay the full cash price. Health insurance will reduce that cost, but the yearly out-of-pocket cost will depend on the insurance plan, copay, and deductible.
Metformin is the sole representative of a class of antidiabetic drugs called biguanides. It is also the first-line and one of the most inexpensive treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Some generic versions of diabetes medications, such as glimepiride or glipizide, cost about as much as metformin, but healthcare professionals are unlikely to prescribe these drugs before metformin. They are more likely to prescribe these drugs in combination with metformin when metformin alone is not adequately controlling blood sugar. Over-the-counter medications and supplements are never effective substitutes for prescription diabetes medications.
Compare metformin prices to related drugs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings Options |
| Metformin | $165 per
60, 500 mg tablets |
$6 per
60, 500 mg tablets of generic metformin |
See latest prices |
| Metformin ER (brand name Glumetza) | $59 per
60, 500 mg extended-release tablets |
$4 per
60, 500 mg extended-release tablets of generic metformin ER |
See latest prices |
| Metformin oral liquid (brand name Riomet) | $546 per 473 mL, 500 mg/5 mL liquid | $167
per 473 mL, 500 mg/5 mL liquid of generic metformin |
See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
RELATED: Metformin alternatives: What can I take instead of metformin?
Metformin costs by dose
Metformin comes in various strengths and dosage forms, including immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (ER) tablets, and extended-release (ER) liquid. These different forms affect the price you pay. The chart below compares the prices by these variables.
Compare metformin prices by strength and dosage form |
||
|---|---|---|
| Strength | SingleCare price of brand-name | SingleCare price of generic |
| 500 mg IR tablets | N/A | $6 per 60 count |
| 850 mg IR tablets | N/A | $6 per 60 count |
| 1000 mg IR tablets | N/A | $5 per 60 count |
| 500 mg ER tablets | N/A | $4 per 60 count |
| 750 mg ER tablets | N/A | $9 per 60 count |
| 500mg/5ml ER liquid | $546 per 473 mL bottle | $167 per 473 mL bottle |
Is metformin covered by insurance?
Generic metformin and metformin ER are inexpensive first-line treatments for Type 2 diabetes. They are covered by most health insurance plans, Medicare drug plans, and Medicaid.
How to get metformin without insurance
Metformin is a very common and inexpensive prescription drug. Even so, budgeting for a monthly supply of any prescription drug can be difficult. Manufacturers of brand-name versions may have manufacturer coupons, savings programs, or patient assistance programs that can lower the cost of these expensive medicines, but generics typically don’t have similar savings programs. However, there are ways to lower the cost of metformin to roughly equal or less than common over-the-counter drugs.
1. Take advantage of a SingleCare savings card
With a free coupon from SingleCare, a 30-day supply of metformin can cost as little as $6. All that’s required is to select a coupon based on price or local pharmacy on SingleCare’s metformin discount coupon page. The savings card can be printed, emailed, or sent to a smartphone and used right away to enjoy prescription discounts.
2. Ask the prescriber for a 90-day prescription
A 90-day supply of metformin, 180 tablets, is usually less expensive than three 30-day fills. Combined with a SingleCare discount card, a 90-day supply can be purchased for as little as $13 for the 500 mg IR tablets.
3. Compare pharmacy prices
Pharmaceutical companies often list their drugs at a specified retail price, but pharmacies frequently tack on additional charges. Even low-cost generic drugs can have significant price differences between pharmacies. Many pharmacies accept SingleCare coupons, saving even more on a prescription.
4. Shop online
Mail-order and online pharmacies could be an option too if you don’t mind waiting for your medication. The downside is that not all online pharmacies are trustworthy. There are ways to determine the legitimacy of online pharmacies, so do your homework before ordering.
5. Consider Medicaid
Administered by both federal and state governments, Medicaid offers health insurance at a very low cost. Most people insured by a Medicaid plan will pay nothing for a metformin prescription. Check with your state’s Medicaid program to determine eligibility or to fill out an enrollment form.
6. Visit county or city health officials
Many people don’t realize that their communities and local governments may be able to help with healthcare costs. County and municipal health departments know about local resources, community health clinics, low-cost health insurance, and where to get lower-priced medications. They can help people determine eligibility for Medicaid and guide the enrollment process.
7. Ask the prescriber about combination metformin drugs
While there are many other generic antidiabetic medications, there is no cheaper or more appropriate prescription medication to replace metformin. However, many people with Type 2 diabetes will find themselves taking metformin along with a second antidiabetic drug, typically generic drugs like sulfonylureas, meglitinides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, or more expensive brand-name drugs. Many of these other diabetes drugs, including expensive brand-name drugs, are available as FDA-approved combination drugs, that is, they are mixed with metformin to be taken as a single tablet or capsule. Ask your healthcare provider if a combination drug, which may be less expensive than having to pay for two prescriptions, would be right for you.
Lea este artículo en español aquí.
- Metformin hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release, DailyMed (2017)
- Metformin prescribing information, FDA (2017)