Comprehensive medication guide to Glucophage XR including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$20 copay for generic metformin ER; Tier 1 on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans. Medicare Part D average is approximately $4 per claim. Prior authorization is rarely required for generic metformin ER.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$48 average retail for generic metformin ER; as low as $10.91 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply. Immediate-release generic metformin is even cheaper at $5–$15.
Medfinder Findability Score
75/100
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Glucophage XR is the brand name for metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets. It is a biguanide-class oral antidiabetic medication FDA-approved as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. The extended-release formulation delivers metformin gradually over 8-10 hours, allowing once-daily dosing and reducing the gastrointestinal side effects that some patients experience with the immediate-release version.
The original brand-name Glucophage XR was discontinued in the U.S. market. Today, all dispensed Glucophage XR prescriptions are filled with FDA-approved generic metformin hydrochloride extended-release, which is therapeutically equivalent to the original brand.
Beyond its FDA-approved indication, metformin ER is also commonly prescribed off-label for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), prediabetes, and as a weight management adjunct in patients with insulin resistance.
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Glucophage XR (metformin) lowers blood sugar through three complementary mechanisms. First, it reduces hepatic glucose production — it activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) in the liver, which suppresses gluconeogenesis (the liver's process of making new glucose). In type 2 diabetes, the liver overproduces glucose; metformin dials this down.
Second, metformin improves peripheral insulin sensitivity — it helps muscle cells and other tissues respond more effectively to insulin, enabling better glucose uptake from the bloodstream. Third, it slows intestinal glucose absorption after meals, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Critically, metformin does not stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas, which is why it rarely causes hypoglycemia when used as monotherapy. The XR formulation uses a polymer matrix to release metformin slowly over hours, reducing peak intestinal drug concentrations and GI side effects compared to immediate-release metformin.
500 mg — extended-release tablet
Starting dose; most widely available
750 mg — extended-release tablet
Intermediate dose; less universally stocked
1000 mg — extended-release tablet
Available from some generic manufacturers
As of 2026, Glucophage XR (generic metformin ER) is not in an active FDA-listed national shortage. The supply disruptions caused by the 2020 NDMA recall — which forced voluntary recalls from multiple manufacturers — have largely resolved. Multiple generic manufacturers now produce metformin ER tablets in 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg strengths.
That said, individual pharmacy-level stockouts remain common, particularly for specific strengths (750 mg is less consistently available than 500 mg). Smaller independent pharmacies may have longer reorder cycles. Urban pharmacies generally have more reliable stock than rural ones. Patients may occasionally need to check 2-3 pharmacies before finding their specific strength.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to identify which ones have your specific medication and strength in stock, then text you the results — saving you the time of calling around yourself.
Glucophage XR (metformin ER) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling restrictions. It can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider with prescribing authority, including those practicing through telehealth platforms.
Telehealth prescribing is widely available for metformin ER. Platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, and others can evaluate patients and prescribe metformin ER in most states after a virtual consultation. Patients will typically need to share recent HbA1c and kidney function labs (eGFR) for ongoing telehealth management.
No. Glucophage XR (metformin hydrochloride extended-release) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It has no abuse potential and does not require any special prescribing authority beyond a standard DEA registration. There are no restrictions on the number of refills, electronic prescribing requirements, or quantity limits specific to controlled substance regulations.
This means it can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider — including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, OB-GYNs, and telehealth providers — without any special DEA registration or controlled substance prescribing requirements. Prescriptions can be called in, faxed, or sent electronically without restriction, and refills can be provided on the same prescription.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and are significantly reduced with the XR formulation compared to immediate-release metformin:
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Metformin IR (Glucophage)
Immediate-release version with same active ingredient; taken 2-3x daily; virtually always in stock; slightly more GI side effects for some
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Sulfonylurea; stimulates insulin release; low cost; risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain
Sitagliptin (Januvia)
DPP-4 inhibitor; weight neutral; low hypoglycemia risk; more expensive
Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
SGLT-2 inhibitor; cardioprotective and renoprotective; promotes weight loss; expensive but preferred in patients with CVD or CKD
Prefer Glucophage XR? We can find it.
Iodinated contrast dye
majorHold metformin before contrast procedures in patients with eGFR 30-60; risk of lactic acidosis from contrast-induced AKI
Ranolazine (Ranexa)
majorInhibits renal elimination of metformin; limit metformin to 1700 mg/day when combined with ranolazine 1000 mg BID
Topiramate (Topamax)
majorCarbonic anhydrase inhibitor; increases risk of non-anion gap acidosis and lactic acidosis with metformin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
moderateCompetes for renal elimination; increases metformin plasma levels by ~40%; use alternative antacids if possible
Insulin / Sulfonylureas
moderateIncreased hypoglycemia risk when combined; may need dose reduction of insulin or sulfonylurea
Alcohol (excessive)
majorIncreases risk of lactic acidosis; contraindicated with heavy or binge drinking
Glucophage XR (generic metformin extended-release) remains the gold standard first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes in adults. It is safe, effective, generally well-tolerated, weight-neutral, affordable, and backed by decades of clinical evidence including cardiovascular benefit data from the landmark UKPDS trial. The extended-release formulation offers improved GI tolerability and convenient once-daily dosing.
While the original brand was discontinued and the market went through supply disruptions in 2020, generic metformin ER is now widely available from multiple manufacturers. Most patients can get it for under $20 per month with insurance or discount programs. Occasional pharmacy-level stockouts are the primary remaining challenge — easily addressed by checking a few pharmacies or using mail order.
If you're struggling to fill your Glucophage XR prescription, medfinder can help. Enter your medication, dosage, and location and medfinder will call pharmacies near you to find which ones have your medication in stock — then text you the results.
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