Homechevron_rightDrugschevron_rightMetformin Prices
Generic Glucophage
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Metformin is a first-choice medication to control your blood sugar and lower your risk of death from diabetes, although some people cannot tolerate the stomach side effects.
Reviewed by:
Christina Aungst, PharmD
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 17, 2020
chevron_left
BasicsSide effectsPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
chevron_right
What is Metformin?
What is Metformin used for?
Type 2 diabetes
How Metformin works
Metformin is a medication used to manage diabetes. It lowers the amount of sugar your body makes or absorbs, and allows you to use your body's natural insulin better.
When does Metformin start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect
Drug Facts
Common BrandsGlumetza, Riomet
Drug ClassBiguanide
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
More on Metformin essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
local_offer_outlined
Avg retail price
$13.02
View GoodRx coupons
What are the side effects of Metformin?
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Other Side Effects
Serious Side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
When do Metformin possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
YEARS
Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Gas
Low vitamin B12 levels
Lactic acidosis
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
Source:DailyMed
More on Metformin side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Abdominal or stomach discomfort
cough or hoarseness
decreased appetite
diarrhea
fast or shallow breathing
fever or chills
general feeling of discomfort
lower back or side pain
muscle pain or cramping
painful or difficult urination
sleepiness
Less common
Anxiety
blurred vision
chest discomfort
cold sweats
coma
confusion
cool, pale skin
depression
difficult or labored breathing
dizziness
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
feeling of warmth
headache
increased hunger
increased sweating
nausea
nervousness
nightmares
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Behavior change similar to being drunk
difficulty with concentrating
drowsiness
lack or loss of strength
restless sleep
unusual sleepiness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
bloated
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
full feeling
heartburn
indigestion
loss of appetite
metallic taste in the mouth
passing of gas
stomachache
stomach upset or pain
vomiting
weight loss
Less common
Abnormal stools
bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
change in taste
difficulty with moving
discoloration of the fingernails or toenails
flu-like symptoms
joint pain
rash
sneezing
stuffy or runny nose
swollen joints
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Advertisem*nt
Pros and cons of Metformin
Pros
Very good at lowering blood sugar and A1c levels
One of the few diabetes medications that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications
Doesn't cause weight gain
Rarely causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Available as a liquid (for those with trouble swallowing) and a long-acting tablet (to help with stomach side effects)
The short-acting tablet is cheaper than the long-acting tablet.
Cons
Can cause stomach side effects like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping
Usually not a good choice for people with more severe kidney problems
Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
The liquid and long-acting tablet can be expensive even though they have generics.
Pharmacist tips for Metformin
Stomach side effects, especially diarrhea, are common with metformin. For most people, this will go away after a few weeks of taking it. If it doesn't stop or is excessive, ask your provider about the long-acting version of metformin, which is less likely to have these side effects.
Take your metformin with food to help lessen stomach upset.
Limit or avoid alcohol when taking this medication. Too much alcohol or chronic alcohol use can put you at risk for a life-threatening side effect called lactic acidosis.
Make sure to have any blood tests done and go to your regular check ups. This will tell your provider how well metformin is working for you.
Check your blood sugar regularly. Keeping a log of your sugar levels is helpful for your provider.
More on Metformin tips
Frequently asked questions about Metformin
Can you take metformin without a meal?
expand_more
It's best to take metformin with food to prevent stomach upset. You are more likely to experience nausea and diarrhea when taking it without meals.
What if you stop taking metformin?
expand_more
Since metformin works by lowering your blood sugar, stopping it can make your blood sugar run high again. Discuss any concerns or excessive side effects with your provider before stopping it on your own. For most people, the side effects of this medication are temporary or can be lessened by changing to the long-acting version of metformin.
What can metformin do to your kidneys?
expand_more
Metformin is removed from your body through the kidneys so if you have a history of kidney problems, tell your provider before starting this medication. Metformin is not known to affect healthy kidneys. You will need to have regular blood work done while taking it to make sure your kidneys are healthy.
Can you break a metformin tablet into 2 halves?
expand_more
The short-acting metformin tablets can be cut in half. The long-acting or ER metformin tablets cannot be cut in half. They must be swallowed whole.
How many times a day should you take metformin?
expand_more
Metformin can be taken once or twice daily. Please talk to your provider to figure out what dose is best for you.
How to save using GoodRx
1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
Get free couponLearn more
What are the risks and warnings for Metformin?
Metformin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
LACTIC ACIDOSIS
Risk factors: Kidney problems | Liver problems | Heart problems | Age 65 or greater | Alcohol use | Using contrast dye
Metformin can, on rare occasions, cause a condition called lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in your blood). This condition can lead to other health problems that can be deadly. Call your provider immediately if you experience fast breathing, fast or slow heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, very upset stomach or throwing up, feeling very sleepy, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain. These can be signs of too much lactic acid in your blood. Tell your provider about any existing health problems and other medications before taking metformin.
LOW VITAMIN B12 LEVELS
Risk factors: Long-term use of metformin | Lower than average calcium absorption | Lower than average vitamin B12 absorption
This risk is more relevant to people receiving long-term treatment with metformin. Metformin can cause low levels of vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia. Let your provider know about any persistent low energy, muscle weakness, low appetite, or tingling or numbness on hands or feet. A blood test can help determine if you have anemia and if metformin is the reason. Your provider should monitor your vitamin B12 levels at 2-3 year intervals.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications for diabetes | Over age 65 | Liver or kidney problems
Metformin alone or together with other diabetic medications can cause low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar may be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, feeling sleepy, weakness or low energy, and excessive hunger. Talk to your provider or pharmacist if you are concerned about this.
More on Metformin warnings
Metformin dosage forms
The average cost for 60 tablets of 500mg of Metformin is $4.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 69.28% off the average retail price of $13.02.
Ml of oral solution
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500mg/5ml | 300 ml | $96.40 | $0.32 |
Tablet
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500mg | 60 tablets | $4.00 | $0.07 |
| 850mg | 180 tablets | $10.00 | $0.06 |
| 1000mg | 180 tablets | $10.00 | $0.06 |
Typical dosing for Metformin
Metformin is usually started as 500 mg by mouth twice daily or 850 mg by mouth once daily. Depending on how well it works, the dose can be raised to a total of 2,550 mg by mouth per day split into a few doses throughout the day.
More on Metformin dosage forms
Interactions between Metformin and other drugs
Metformin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Metformin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
More on Metformin interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Acetrizoic Acid
- Diatrizoate
- Ethiodized Oil
- Iobenzamic Acid
- Iobitridol
- Iocarmic Acid
- Iocetamic Acid
- Iodamide
- Iodipamide
- Iodixanol
- Iodohippuric Acid
- Iodopyracet
- Iodoxamic Acid
- Ioglicic Acid
- Ioglycamic Acid
- Iohexol
- Iomeprol
- Iopamidol
- Iopanoic Acid
- Iopentol
- Iophendylate
- Iopromide
- Iopronic Acid
- Ioseric Acid
- Iosimide
- Iotasul
- Iothalamate
- Iotrolan
- Iotroxic Acid
- Ioxaglate
- Ioxitalamic Acid
- Ipodate
- Metrizamide
- Metrizoic Acid
- Tyropanoate Sodium
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aspirin
- Balofloxacin
- Besifloxacin
- Bupropion
- Capmatinib
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Dasabuvir
- Dofetilide
- Dolutegravir
- Enoxacin
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Ioversol
- Lanreotide
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Ombitasvir
- Paritaprevir
- Pasireotide
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Pioglitazone
- Prulifloxacin
- Ritonavir
- Rufloxacin
- Sitagliptin
- Sparfloxacin
- Tafenoquine
- Thioctic Acid
- Tosufloxacin
- Vandetanib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Bitter Melon
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Colesevelam
- Esmolol
- Fenugreek
- Furazolidone
- Glucomannan
- Guar Gum
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Moclobemide
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Nialamide
- Oxprenolol
- Patiromer
- Penbutolol
- Phenelzine
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Procarbazine
- Propranolol
- Psyllium
- Ranolazine
- Rasagiline
- Rifampin
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Sotalol
- Timolol
- Tranylcypromine
- Verapamil
How much does Metformin cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Glucophage (brand)
Metformin (generic)
What are alternatives to Metformin?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Metformin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Metformin
Used for:
Type 2 diabetes
$4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Januvia (sitagliptin)
Used for:
Type 2 diabetes in adults
$1665.31 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Lantus (insulin glargine)
Used for:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
$106.16 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
What is the latest news about Metformin?
Metformin images
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "E 213".White Round E 213 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "M" And "234".White Round 234 And M - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Mf 1" And "G".White Round G And Mf 1 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Gp 124".White Round Gp 124 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "H 102".White Round H 102 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "G 10".White Round G 10 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "105" And "Sg".White Round Sg And 105 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "500".White Round 500 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "101" And "Logo".White Oval Logo And 101 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "397".White Round 397 - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Met" And "Apo 500".White Oblong Apo 500 And Met - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ce 64".White Oval Ce 64 - Metformin Hydrochloride 625mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "12" And "A".White Round 12 And A - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "70" And "Z".White Round 70 And Z - Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg Tablet
Get savings updates for Metformin
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Metformin and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
Browse medications
View All
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.
