Metformin is one of the most prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes in the United States. Yet, many people are unsure what they’ll pay if they don’t have insurance.
Without insurance, generic metformin usually costs between $9 and $15 for a 30-day supply of 500mg tablets. Prices vary based on pharmacy, dosage, and whether you choose immediate-release or extended-release formulations.
That’s much less expensive than many diabetes drugs, making metformin relatively accessible. However, costs can fluctuate more than most people expect.
How Much Does Metformin Cost Without Insurance?
Metformin remains among the most affordable diabetes medications, even when paying out of pocket. The price depends on dosage, quantity, and pharmacy.
Average Cash Prices for Metformin
Generic metformin 500 mg costs about $15 for 60 tablets at most retail pharmacies. That’s roughly 25 cents per pill.
If you need 100 tablets, expect to pay between $13 and $22 depending on location. Immediate-release tablets are the best value.
Metformin oral solution is much pricier, averaging $307 for a 300 mL bottle without insurance or discounts.
Prices can fluctuate by city. Medications often cost more in Los Angeles than in Atlanta, for example.
The pharmacy you choose matters, as retailers negotiate their own prices.
Typical Monthly and Annual Costs
Most patients take metformin twice daily. A standard prescription of 1,000 mg daily (two 500 mg tablets) requires 60 tablets per month.
At cash prices, this comes to about $15 to $20 monthly. For a year, that’s approximately $180 to $240.
Extended-release formulations may cost slightly more. Buying 90-day supplies can lower your per-pill cost.
Comparing Costs by Dosage and Formulation
Different metformin products have different price tags:
| Formulation | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Metformin IR 500 mg (60 tablets) | $15 |
| Metformin IR 1000 mg (60 tablets) | $20 |
| Metformin ER (generic Glumetza) | Higher than IR |
| Metformin ER (generic Fortamet) | Higher than IR |
| Metformin oral solution | $307 per bottle |
Immediate-release metformin is less expensive than extended-release. Increasing your dosage from 500 mg to 1,000 mg typically raises the price by a few dollars.
Brand-name extended-release options like Fortamet and Glumetza generics require a larger budget. The oral liquid formulation is significantly more expensive than tablets.
Factors That Affect Metformin Cost for Uninsured Patients
Metformin costs for uninsured patients depend on where you buy it, how much you need, and the formulation prescribed. Prices can range from under $10 to over $50 for a monthly supply.
Location and Pharmacy Pricing
Pharmacy pricing varies even within the same neighborhood. Two pharmacies on the same street may charge different amounts.
Where you live also matters. Medications often cost more in major cities than in smaller towns.
Big-box retailers and grocery store pharmacies tend to price generic metformin more competitively. Calling multiple pharmacies to compare prices can save you money.
Dosage and Quantity
Strength and quantity directly affect cost. A 60-tablet supply of generic metformin 500 mg is about $15 without insurance.
Switching to 1,000 mg tablets usually adds a few dollars. If your prescription calls for two tablets daily, you’ll need 60 tablets per month instead of 30.
Buying 90-day supplies often results in better per-pill pricing.
Typical prices by quantity:
- 30-day supply: $8–$25 for generic metformin IR
- 60-day supply: $15–$40 for generic metformin IR
- 90-day supply: $20–$50 for generic metformin IR
Type: Brand Name vs. Generic Formulations
Generic metformin costs much less than brand-name versions. The difference can be $15 versus hundreds per month.
Metformin IR (immediate-release) is the cheapest option and is the generic for Glucophage. Metformin ER (extended-release) costs more and comes in generic forms of Fortamet, Glumetza, and Glucophage XR.
The oral liquid form is the most expensive, averaging $307 for a 300 mL bottle. Tablets are far more affordable.
| Formulation | Average Cost (30-day supply) |
|---|---|
| Generic metformin IR | $10–$25 |
| Generic metformin ER | $15–$50 |
| Fortamet generic | $40–$100+ |
| Glumetza generic | $40–$100+ |
| Metformin oral solution | $300+ |
Brand vs. Generic Metformin: Price Differences
Generic metformin typically costs $4 to $20 for a 30-day supply. Brand-name versions can cost $40 to $150 per month.
Choosing generic over brand can save hundreds of dollars annually without sacrificing effectiveness.
Generic Metformin and Savings
Generic metformin is the most affordable option for managing type 2 diabetes without insurance. Most pharmacies stock immediate-release tablets in 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1,000 mg strengths, with 500 mg being the cheapest.
At big-box pharmacies, 30-day supplies of generic metformin IR range from $4 to $20. Extended-release versions cost more—typically $15 to $60 per month.
With 90-day supplies, the savings grow. Generic metformin tablets for three months range from $25 to $120, lowering the monthly cost.
Mail-order pharmacies often offer even better deals for longer supplies.
Common generic options:
- Metformin IR 500 mg: $4–$12/month
- Metformin ER 1000 mg: $15–$40/month
- 90-day generic supplies: $25–$60 average
Brand-Name Options: Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet
Brand-name metformin products include Glucophage (IR), Glucophage XR, Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet (liquid). These cost significantly more—usually $40 to $100 for a 30-day supply without insurance.
Fortamet and Glumetza are extended-release formulations with different release mechanisms. Clinical outcomes are similar to generic metformin ER for most people.
Riomet is an oral solution, helpful for those who can’t swallow tablets, but it’s far more expensive than tablets.
Most prescribers default to generics since they provide the same therapeutic effects. Insurance coverage for branded metformin has declined as generics have become standard.
Comparing Metformin to Similar Diabetes Medications
Metformin is the only biguanide widely prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Other medication classes use different mechanisms for blood sugar control.
Metformin vs. Other Biguanides
Metformin is the sole biguanide available in the U.S. Earlier biguanides like phenformin and buformin were withdrawn due to safety concerns, especially lactic acidosis.
Metformin’s safety profile is better, though lactic acidosis remains a rare risk. Immediate-release and extended-release metformin are the only biguanide options.
Patients who can’t tolerate metformin must try different drug classes, as no true alternatives exist within biguanides.
Metformin Alternatives for Diabetes and Weight Management
Several other medication classes are used when metformin isn’t suitable. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic) offer blood sugar control and significant weight loss, but cost $800–$1,000 monthly without insurance.
SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin (Jardiance) provide added heart and kidney protection, typically costing $400–$600 monthly. DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia are another option, at $400–$550 per month.
Combination metformin drugs pair metformin with other diabetes medications for convenience but usually cost more.
For weight loss, GLP-1 agonists outperform metformin, with studies showing 10–15% body weight reduction versus metformin’s 2–3%. Still, metformin’s $4–$30 monthly price is a fraction of the cost of GLP-1 drugs.
Insurance Coverage and Why Costs Differ
Insurance usually covers metformin for type 2 diabetes, but out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, formulary tier, and prescription specifics. Coverage may be more complicated if metformin is prescribed for weight loss or prediabetes rather than established diabetes.
Is Metformin Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans cover metformin for Type 2 diabetes management. The drug is considered a first-line, cost-effective treatment and is widely recognized by insurers.
Generic metformin typically falls under the lowest tier of prescription drug coverage. Copays usually range from $0 to $15 for a 30-day supply under commercial plans.
Medicare Part D also covers metformin, though copays depend on the specific plan and deductible status. Insurance companies prefer generic metformin over brand-name versions.
If a doctor prescribes a brand-name product without prior authorization, patients may face higher copays or full out-of-pocket costs. Extended-release versions can require step therapy, meaning patients must try immediate-release first before coverage is granted.
How Insurance Plans Affect Out-of-Pocket Costs
Plan types dramatically shape out-of-pocket expenses for metformin.
Plan structures impact costs:
- High-deductible plans make patients pay the full negotiated rate until the deductible is met, often $12-$40 per fill.
- Traditional copay plans charge a flat fee regardless of the drug’s actual cost.
- Coinsurance models require patients to pay a percentage of the drug price after meeting the deductible.
A person with a $10 copay pays that amount whether the pharmacy charges $15 or $50. Someone without insurance might pay $4 at a discount pharmacy or $20 elsewhere for the same pills.
Formulary tier placement is key. Tier 1 drugs have the lowest copays, while higher tiers can cost $50 or more per month, even with insurance.
Special Scenarios: Coverage for Weight Loss and Non-Diabetic Uses
Coverage gets tricky when metformin is prescribed off-label for weight management or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Most plans deny metformin for weight loss since the FDA only approved it for Type 2 diabetes. Patients using it for weight management typically pay $4-$20 monthly out of pocket for generics.
Prediabetes coverage varies. Some insurers cover metformin for diabetes prevention if patients meet criteria like elevated A1C or high risk; others deny coverage, leaving patients to appeal or pay cash.
PCOS treatment with metformin is inconsistently covered. Some plans approve it for insulin resistance, while others reject it as off-label. Prior authorization and detailed medical justification are often required.
How to Save on Metformin Without Insurance
Metformin costs can drop from $165 per month to as low as $6 through discount programs, bulk purchasing, and assistance initiatives.
Using Pharmacy Discount Programs and Coupons
Pharmacy discount programs are a fast way to save on metformin. Savings cards from these programs work at most major pharmacies, sometimes cutting costs by up to 96%.
Start with established discount platforms that negotiate directly with pharmacies. Most offer free cards with no enrollment fees; just present the card at checkout.
Key discount options:
- Manufacturer savings cards (often $6-10 per month)
- Pharmacy-specific discount programs
- Independent prescription discount services
- Mobile apps that compare pharmacy prices in real time
Comparing prices before filling your prescription can lead to savings of $100 or more between pharmacies in the same neighborhood. Always check at least three pharmacies for the best deal.
Mail-Order and Bulk Purchasing Options
Mail-order pharmacies usually charge less per pill than retail locations. Ordering a 90-day supply instead of 30 days reduces both per-unit cost and pharmacy visits.
Three-month prescriptions often cut costs by 20-40% compared to monthly refills. This approach also reduces the risk of running out between refills.
Benefits of bulk purchasing:
- Lower per-pill pricing
- Fewer pharmacy visits
- Reduced shipping or pickup fees
- Better inventory management
Choose online pharmacies licensed in the U.S. and ensure they require a valid prescription. Avoid services that sell prescription medications without doctor authorization.
Patient Assistance and Cost Assistance Programs
Patient assistance programs help uninsured individuals access free or low-cost medications. Pharmaceutical companies and nonprofits run most of these initiatives.
Manufacturer programs often provide metformin at no cost for those meeting income guidelines. Applications require proof of income and insurance status.
Assistance program types:
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs (income-based)
- Nonprofit medication assistance foundations
- State pharmaceutical assistance programs
- Community health centers with sliding-scale fees
Many programs process applications within 2-4 weeks. Some offer temporary supplies while applications are pending. Community health centers may also provide discounted prescriptions based on ability to pay.
Check with local hospitals’ financial services for possible medication assistance programs.
Getting Metformin Without Insurance: Steps and Safety
A valid prescription from a licensed provider is required to obtain metformin without insurance. Choosing the right pharmacy ensures safe and affordable access.
How to Get a Metformin Prescription Without Coverage
You need a prescription to get metformin, even without insurance. Start with your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist who can assess your blood sugar levels.
If you don’t have a regular doctor, options include:
- Community health centers with sliding-scale fees
- Urgent care clinics for ongoing condition prescriptions
- Telehealth platforms for virtual consultations and prescriptions
- Cash-pay clinics, typically charging $50-150 per visit
Providers usually request recent lab work for A1C and kidney function. Most write for a 30 or 90-day supply, giving you flexibility to shop around.
Choosing Between Online Care and Local Pharmacies
Once you have a prescription, compare prices across multiple sources. Generic metformin 500mg typically costs $9-30 for 60 tablets, but some pharmacies may charge up to $165-172 without discounts.
Local pharmacy benefits:
- Same-day pickup
- In-person pharmacist consultation
- Simple returns if needed
- No shipping delays
Online pharmacy advantages:
- Lower base prices
- 90-day supplies reduce per-pill cost
- Home delivery
- Prescription management via apps
Discount cards like GoodRx or Optum Perks can drop costs to $6-15 for a month’s supply. Mail-order works well for stable prescriptions, while local fills are ideal when starting or adjusting dosages.
Considerations When Paying Out of Pocket
Covering the full cost of metformin without insurance requires careful planning for ongoing expenses and smart use of available resources.
Managing Long-Term Costs
Metformin is a long-term medication. A $15 monthly expense adds up to $180 per year for basic 500mg generics.
Budget for recurring costs:
- Buy in bulk: 90-day supplies often cost less per pill
- Track price changes: Prices can shift between $9 and $25 for the same prescription
- Consider immediate-release over extended-release: Extended-release costs more but may be easier to tolerate
- Use discount programs: Services like GoodRx can significantly lower prices
The cost gap between immediate-release and extended-release metformin can reach $10-15 per month. Over a decade, that’s potentially $1,200-1,800 extra. Consider convenience versus cost carefully.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
Your doctor or pharmacist has valuable insights that can help reduce your medication costs. Asking targeted questions is more effective than general inquiries about affordability.
Start with these:
“Is there a lower-cost alternative that works as well?” Sometimes a different dosing schedule with less expensive tablets achieves the same result.
“Do you have manufacturer samples or patient assistance program information?” Many providers keep these resources on hand but may not mention them unless prompted.
“Which local pharmacies have you heard offer the best prices?” Providers often know which pharmacies in your area charge less based on other patients’ experiences.
“Can I split higher-dose tablets?” For example, splitting a 1000 mg tablet may cost less than buying two 500 mg tablets, though not all formulations are safe to split.
Your provider may also write your prescription for a 90-day supply if your dose is stable, which can further reduce your cost per tablet.