The Cost of Metformin Without Insurance
By Jennifer Hadley••Updated April 21, 2021
Of the more than 34 million Americans who have diabetes, at least 90% have type 2 diabetes. Most often, those who develop type 2 diabetes are over the age of 45, but children, teens, and young adults can also suffer from insulin resistance. If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may be prescribed metformin, along with other medications, and a dietary plan. Here’s what to know about the cost of metformin without insurance.
How much does metformin cost without insurance?
The cost of metformin without insurance starts at $4.00* for 500mg and 30 tablets using an RxSaver coupon.
What is metformin?
Metformin is a medication used to help lower high blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is a commonly prescribed generic medication that is sold under brand names such as Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and Glucophage.
Metformin is one tool used to control high blood sugar. It may be taken in conjunction with other medications. Specially planned diet and exercise programs should also be followed by those who have type 2 diabetes.
What conditions does metformin treat?
Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, adult-onset diabetes, sugar diabetes, or insulin resistance. Metformin also reduces the amount of sugar made by your liver. By controlling high blood sugar, you can prevent potential complications of type 2 diabetes such as nerve problems, kidney damage, loss of limbs, and blindness.
Common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Mild symptoms of type 2 diabetes may develop over years before any noticeable symptoms arise. For some individuals, noticeable symptoms may be so mild that it doesn’t cross your mind that you should have your blood sugar checked. When symptoms of type 2 diabetes do appear, they may include:
- Frequent urination (particularly at night)
- Increased thirst
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
- Very dry skin
- Weight loss
- Slow to heal wounds
- Increased infections
- Fatigue
Testing for type 2 diabetes is a very common test. If you’re worried about symptoms of type 2 diabetes, ask your health care provider if a blood sugar test is right for you.
How does metformin work?
Metformin helps to restore your body’s response to insulin that you naturally produce. In healthy people, insulin produced by the pancreas helps to ensure that blood sugar gets into the cells of the body, where it is needed as a source of energy.
In those with type 2 diabetes, insulin produced by the pancreas cannot get the blood sugar into the cells where it is needed. This causes your blood sugar levels to rise.
In order for metformin to be effective, the dosage (amount) you take must be balanced against the type and amount of food you eat, and the amount of exercise you get. If you significantly change your diet or exercise habits, you should notify your health care provider, to be sure your medication dosage reflects your current diet and exercise routine.
Common Side Effects of Metformin
Metformin, like all medications, has the potential to cause side effects. However, if you are prescribed metformin, it is because your health care has deemed the benefit to you will be greater than the possible risk of side effects. Common side effects of metformin may include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Heartburn
Rare but serious side effects of metformin may include:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Lactic Acidosis
Notify your health care provider of any or all side effects you experience while taking metformin.
Can you buy metformin over the counter?
Metformin is only available by prescription in the United States. You will need to purchase this type 2 diabetes medication from a pharmacist.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription
Before picking up a prescription for metformin, or any other prescription medication, be sure to check RxSaver. RxSaver is a free, easy-to-use prescription drug coupon platform that offers savings of up to 80% on more than 6,000 prescription medications.
RxSaver is designed to be used without insurance. If you have insurance, check RxSaver to see if the coupon price is less than your insurance copay, before picking up your prescription.
Metformin: 500 mg / 30 tablets
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/21/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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