How Much Does Metformin Cost?

By Irmanie Hemphill, MD, FAAFP
Medically reviewed checkmarkMedically reviewed
December 5, 2022

Key takeaways

  • Metformin is a prescription medication that treats type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

  • The cost for 500 mg oral metformin tablets is around $13-$22 for a supply of 100 tablets, depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage.

  • You can get metformin with a prescription from your medical provider.

Metformin is a medication that helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It can also be used in other diagnoses such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is available as a generic drug and is often quite affordable. However, the cost of metformin varies depending on whether you have insurance and the pharmacy you use.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of metformin and share some tips on how to get the best price.

How Much Does Metformin Cost With Insurance?

Metformin is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes. It’s typically taken by mouth in tablet form. It does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes. This drug may be used alone or as part of combination therapy.

Metformin is available in generic form and as the brand-name drugs Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and Glucophage. Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover the generic form. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be responsible for the cost of the drug until you meet your deductible.

Is metformin covered by insurance?

Metformin is usually covered by insurance, but coverage varies depending on the specific plan. Contact your insurance provider directly if you have questions about your insurance coverage.

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How Much Does Metformin Cost Without Insurance?

The cash price for 500 mg oral metformin tablets without insurance is typically around $13-$22 for a supply of 100 tablets, depending on your pharmacy.

What Is Metformin Used For?

Metformin is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes because they don’t produce insulin from their pancreas gland. Metformin is generally considered a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. This means it’s typically the first medication medical providers prescribe for this condition. 

Metformin works by controlling blood sugar levels. It does this by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of cells to insulin. It also reduces the amount of sugar the intestines absorb. In addition, metformin can also help lower the risk of complications such as heart disease and stroke. 

Metformin is available in both tablet and liquid form. It’s typically taken with meals to help reduce side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Take metformin exactly as your medical provider instructs. Sometimes, they may need to change your dose depending on your blood sugar levels. 

How to Get Metformin

If you have a prescription for metformin, you can fill it at your local pharmacy. You can also purchase metformin online from an accredited pharmacy. However, you will need a prescription from your medical provider to get metformin online.

If you need a prescription for metformin, see your healthcare provider or sign up for K Health. A healthcare professional will assess your situation and, if appropriate, write a metformin prescription and send it to your preferred pharmacy for pick-up.

How to Find Discounts on Metformin

There are a few ways to get discounts on metformin. Ask your provider if there is a generic version of the medication you need. Metformin is the generic version of the brand-name medications Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and Glucophage  Generic drugs are often much cheaper than brand-name drugs and work just as well. 

Manufacturer coupons and patient assistance programs are also available for metformin. These programs can help you save money on your medication costs. Contact the manufacturer of your medication to inquire about discounts and coupons, or contact a patient assistance program for help.

Finally, you can check online for discounts. There are often websites that offer coupons or discounts on prescription drugs. With a bit of research, you should be able to find a way to get a discount on the prescription medications you need.

When to See a Doctor For Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing medical care and self-management education to prevent complications and other health problems. While there is no cure, people with diabetes can live long, healthy lives by managing their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication. Sometimes, however, people with diabetes may need to see a medical provider more often to manage their condition. 

Some of the reasons you may need to see a medical professional more frequently include:

  • You are having trouble controlling your blood sugar levels
  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • You have developed complications from diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney disease, or nerve damage
  • You are experiencing new symptoms that may be related to diabetes

If you have diabetes, it’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to create a treatment plan that works for you. By staying on top of your health and keeping your blood sugar levels under control, you can reduce your risk of developing serious complications from diabetes.

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Warning signs of diabetes

Some of the warning signs of diabetes include:

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay the onset of serious health problems, such as heart disease and stroke. If you have any concerns about your risk for diabetes, be sure to talk to your healthcare professional.

Get Metformin with K Health

Now you can manage diabetes from home using K Health. Get metformin online in three easy steps:

  1. Answer a few simple questions.
  2. Meet your primary care provider.
  3. Get the prescription you need.

Start now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does metformin cost a month?
The average monthly cash price for metformin is around $13-$22 for a supply of 100 tablets. However, this cost varies depending on whether you have insurance and the pharmacy you use. Many people with insurance coverage pay nothing out of pocket for their monthly supply of metformin.
Can I buy metformin over the counter?
No, metformin is a prescription medication, meaning it can only be obtained with a valid prescription from your medical provider. You must have a proper diagnosis and evaluation before your healthcare provider can write you a prescription.
Do I need a prescription for metformin?
Yes, you need a prescription to purchase metformin. You can get a prescription from your healthcare provider or make an appointment with a K Health provider. If appropriate, they can order metformin for you.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Irmanie Hemphill, MD, FAAFP

Dr. Hemphill is an award winning primary care physician with an MD from Florida State University College of Medicine. She completed her residency at Halifax Medical Center.

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