Metformin ER, Metformin

Introduction

Medically reviewed by Amber R. Watson, PharmD
Written by Malini Ghoshal, RPh, MS
Updated on September 20, 2023

Metformin is a generic medication that’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes. The brand-name versions of this drug are Fortamet and Glumetza. The cost of metformin with or without insurance can depend on several factors. It might be lowered by using a coupon.

Metformin comes in these forms:

• oral tablet you swallow
• oral extended-release tablet you swallow (extended-release tablets slowly release their contents into your body over some time)
• liquid solution you swallow

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved metformin to manage blood sugar levels in adults and some children with type 2 diabetes.

Read on to learn about metformin and cost. You’ll also find available coupons and suggestions for ways to save on your prescription. If you’d like more information about metformin, including its uses, refer to this overview article.

Cost of metformin

Like other medications, the cost of metformin can vary. Certain factors may affect its price, such as:

• your insurance plan, if you have coverage
• the pharmacy you use

To find out how much metformin costs, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. They may be able to suggest ways to save money on your prescription, including those described in this article. To find out what you’d pay using savings coupons, read the following section.

Coupons for metformin

Prescription drug coupons can help you save money by lowering the cost of metformin. The Optum Perks coupons above can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Available app for coupons

To make finding and using these coupons easier, you can download the Optum Perks app. To learn more about this prescription discount app, see this article.

Insurance and other considerations for metformin

Here’s a list of things to consider about the cost of prescription drugs:

• Prior authorization. If you have prescription drug insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers the cost of metformin. In this case, your doctor will communicate with your insurance company regarding your prescription for metformin. The insurance company will decide whether to cover the medication. If a drug requires prior authorization and you begin taking it without this, you may have to pay the full price of the drug.
• A 3-month supply. If you’re taking metformin long term, your doctor may suggest a 90-day supply of the medication. This will have to be approved by your insurance company. Getting a 90-day supply could help lower the drug’s cost. It could also save you time having to make trips to your pharmacy.

If you have questions about any of these considerations, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or contact your insurance company and talk with a representative.

If you don’t have a health insurance plan, let your doctor or pharmacist know. They may suggest online pharmacy options you could use. You can also ask them about ways to obtain health insurance coverage.

Generics vs. brand names

Metformin is a generic medication. Its brand-name versions are shown in the following table:

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. And they’re thought to be as safe and effective as the brand-name versions.

If your doctor has prescribed metformin but you’re interested in taking Fortamet or Glumetza, let them know. They may prefer one medication over the other. Also, check whether your insurance plan covers only one version of the drug.

To learn how the cost of metformin compares with its brand-name versions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You could also contact your insurance company. 

Common questions about metformin and cost

Here are some common questions about metformin and their answers.

Does metformin 500 mg cost less than metformin 1,000 mg?

Yes, it’s possible. Metformin comes in several strengths and dosage forms.

Metformin oral tablets come in three strengths: 500 milligrams (mg), 850 mg, and 1,000 mg.

Metformin extended-release tablets come in three strengths: 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1,000 mg.

Metformin oral solution comes in: 500 mg per 5 milliliters (mL) in 5 mL, 8.5 mL, and 10 mL.

The cost of metformin 500 mg versus 1,000 mg depends on several factors, including the dosage form you’re prescribed, and whether you have insurance coverage or are paying out of pocket.

Your cost without insurance will typically be more than with insurance for any dosage form and for either strength of the medication.

Your cost for 500 mg versus 1,000 mg metformin may also depend on your treatment plan and the days’ supply (30-day versus 90-day) of metformin you’re prescribed.

To learn more about the cost of metformin’s different strengths, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider (if you have one).

Why are costs different for brand-name drugs vs. generic drugs?

Brand-name drugs can be expensive because of the studies needed to test how safe and effective they are.

Makers of a brand-name drug can sell their drug for up to 20 years. When the patent for a brand-name drug expires, other drugmakers can make and sell generic versions. A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.)

This competition may help keep costs of generic medications lower. Also, generic medications contain the same active drugs as brand-name medications. So they don’t require the same testing, which can be costly.

If you’d like to know more about the cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs, talk with your doctor.

What to ask about metformin

This article provides cost information related to metformin. It also offers suggestions for ways to save money on your prescription. Above on this page, you’ll find coupons for metformin.

If you have more questions about paying for this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact your insurance company.

Here’s a list of questions you may want to ask regarding the cost of your medication:

• Does metformin oral solution cost less than the extended-release tablet form?
• Will Medicare cover the cost of metformin?
• Are there lower cost medications that can treat my condition if I cannot afford metformin?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm 
• Fortamet (metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets, for oral use. (2018). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021574s017lbl.pdf
• Glumetza (metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets, for oral use. (2018). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021748s025lbl.pdf
• Metformin er 500 mg tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/6d6ee6f8-9650-ff4f-e053-2991aa0acf19/spl-doc
• Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/1200ea71-8a9e-4e49-bb77-7d9fe0d84ae7/spl-doc
• Metformin hydrochloride tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/30658e19-8e6e-49aa-a007-e414224797c5/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.