Metformin Price: How Much Does It Cost and How to Save

How Much Does Metformin Cost?

Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, with tens of millions of prescriptions dispensed annually. However, it’s also one of the most affordable. But the actual metformin price you’ll pay depends on a few factors.

For generic metformin tablets, you’re typically looking at anywhere from $4 to $70 per month for common dosages, including 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg. In contrast, brand-name formulations, such as Glumetza® or Fortamet®, typically cost $300 to $4600 or more per month. Extended-release (ER) versions may cost slightly more than immediate-release (IR) tablets, depending on pharmacy pricing and insurance coverage.

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Metformin 500 mg: Price Without Insurance

If you’re paying out of pocket, the metformin 500 mg price without insurance is generally manageable compared to many other prescription medications. At major retail pharmacies such as Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, a 30-day supply of generic metformin 500 mg typically ranges from $4 to $20.

That said, prices can vary significantly depending on where you shop. Chain pharmacies tend to offer more competitive, consistent pricing. Meanwhile, independent pharmacies may have different pricing structures. For context, a 30-day supply averages about $16.80 at chain locations but may be priced higher at some locations depending on the region and pharmacy policies.

In other words, if you’re uninsured or your plan doesn’t cover metformin for any reason, a quick price comparison between pharmacies in your area may be worthwhile, especially if this is something you may be taking in the long-term.

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Metformin Price With Insurance

When insurance is involved, metformin is often available at a low out-of-pocket cost. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover generic metformin since it’s considered a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes.

With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost usually comes down to your copay, which for generic metformin typically ranges from $0 to $5. The exact amount depends on your plan’s formulary and tier structure. (Medications are grouped into tiers, and generic metformin is commonly placed in the lower tier).

If you’re on Medicaid, metformin prescriptions are frequently covered with minimal or no copay, depending on state rules. For Medicare beneficiaries, generic metformin is generally included in most Part D drug plans with minimal copays.

The best way to know exactly what you’ll pay is to check with your insurance provider or ask your pharmacist directly. They can tell you where metformin falls on your plan’s formulary and what your copay will be.

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How to Save on Metformin

Even though metformin is already one of the more budget-friendly prescriptions out there, there are several ways to bring your cost down even further.

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Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

Discount cards are one of the fastest ways to save. These free cards may significantly reduce your metformin cost compared to retail pricing, depending on the pharmacy and location. In some cases, it may even bring a 30-day supply down to $4 to $6. No income requirements, no sign-up fees, and they work whether or not you have insurance. Just show the card (printed or on your phone) at the pharmacy counter when you pick up your prescription.

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Pharmacy Price Comparison Tools

Since metformin prices vary so much from one pharmacy to the next, it pays to compare before you fill. In fact, some online tools actually let you search metformin pricing at pharmacies near you so you can find the lowest option. 

However, even with discount coupons, the same prescription can range from $9 to $20 depending on the store. 

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Ask for a 90-Day Prescription

Requesting a 90-day supply instead of refilling every 30 days is another easy way to cut costs. You’ll also save time and trips to the pharmacy.

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Mail-Order and Online Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies often offer lower per-pill pricing and deliver directly to your door. Many Medicare plans also help cover the cost of mail-order prescriptions. If you go this route, just make sure you’re ordering from a legitimate pharmacy.

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Patient Assistance and Local Programs

If cost is still a barrier, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for Medicaid or any local patient assistance programs. Community health clinics and county health departments can often point you toward resources for affordable medication access.

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Buying Metformin Through Eden

If you’re exploring metformin as part of your treatment pla with the Eden platform, a licensed provider can evaluate whether treatment options, including metformin, may be appropriate for your health needs.

You can start with a quick online intake and connect with a licensed healthcare provider who will evaluate whether metformin is appropriate for your health goals. If prescribed, your medication is shipped directly to your door through a state-licensed pharmacy. Eden also offers ongoing clinical support, so you can message your care team anytime with questions or concerns.

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Why Does Metformin Price Vary So Much?

Why does the same medication cost $4 at one pharmacy and $44 at another? There are a few reasons for this, including the dosage, formulation, and whether you buy brand-name versus generic.

As previously mentioned, extended-release metformin may cost more than immediate-release depending on pharmacy pricing and insurance coverage. Liquid formulations also tend to carry a higher price tag than tablets.

Brand-name versions can also cost upward of $300 per month, while generic metformin, which is bioequivalent and works the same way, is available for a fraction of that price.

Then there’s the pharmacy itself. Chains often price generics more aggressively to attract customers. In contrast, independent pharmacies may have higher overhead that gets passed along. Additionally, location, supply chain factors, and store-specific pricing strategies all contribute to the variation you see from one counter to the next.

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Is Metformin Worth the Cost?

Metformin has been a go-to treatment for type 2 diabetes for decades, and it’s also commonly prescribed for insulin resistance and PCOS. Its track record is long, its safety profile is well established, and its cost, especially in generic form, is among the lowest of any prescription medication.

That said, the right medication for you depends on several individual factors. It’s always important to discuss your specific health situation with a licensed healthcare provider. They can help determine whether metformin is a good fit for your treatment plan and guide you to the most cost-effective option based on your individual needs.

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Final Thoughts

Metformin remains one of the most accessible and affordable medications on the market, but this doesn’t mean every individual is getting the best price. By comparing pharmacies, using discount cards, opting for generic formulations, and exploring mail-order options, you can keep your metformin cost as low as possible. In turn, this ensures you get the medication you need without breaking the bank.