Generic Metformin

Generic metformin is available in five different strengths, varying between 500 mg and 1000 mg. At this time, there are new brand-name versions of metformin available, including Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet, but these medications do not have generic versions.

 

Metformin Generic: An Overview

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.
 
Recently, new brand-name versions of metformin became available, including Fortamet®, Glumetza®, and Riomet®. These medications do not have generic versions and are not equivalent to Glucophage, Glucophage XR, or metformin ER.
 

Strengths of Generic Metformin

Interestingly, generic metformin is available in more strengths than its brand-name version.
 While Glucophage is only available in three strengths (500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg), generic metformin is available in the following strengths:
 
  • Metformin 500 mg tablets
  • Metformin 625 mg tablets
  • Metformin 750 mg tablets
  • Metformin 850 mg tablets
  • Metformin 1000 mg tablets.
     
The long-acting generic versions of Glucophage XR are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Metformin ER 500 mg tablets
  • Metformin ER 750 mg tablets.
     
(Generic Metformin Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;