Generic Metformin

Metformin is available in many different generic strengths, varying between 500 mg and 1000 mg. At this time, there are new brand-name versions of metformin available, but some of these medications do not have generic versions.

Is a Generic Version of Metformin Available?

Metformin (Glucophage®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes). It belongs to a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medication.
 
The drug acts in several ways, improving the effectiveness of insulin receptors (known medically as decreasing insulin resistance), decreasing sugar (glucose) production by the liver, and decreasing sugar absorption from the diet.
 
Metformin was first manufactured under the brand name of Glucophage. Metformin is also available in an extended-release form called Glucophage XR®. Glucophage and Glucophage XR are manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. However, they have since come off patent, and both are available in generic versions. Fortamet is also available in generic form.
 
Newer brand-name versions of metformin are also available, including Glumetza® and Riomet®. These medications do not have generic versions and are not equivalent to Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, or generic versions of these drugs.
  

Strengths of Generic Metformin

Generic metformin is available in the following strengths:
 
 
The long-acting generic versions of Glucophage XR are available in the following strengths:
 

 

The long-acting generic versions of Fortamet are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Metformin ER 500 mg tablets
  • Metformin ER 1000 mg tablets. 

  

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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