Metformin Hcl Er
metFORMIN HCl ER 500MG
What is Metformin Hcl Er?
Metformin HCl ER (extended-release) is an oral antihyperglycemic medication used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes. It functions by improving glucose tolerance and lowering basal and postprandial plasma glucose levels by decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. Metformin HCl ER's extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing to maintain steady blood glucose levels over a prolonged period.Side Effects
- Confusion, fast heartbeat, increased hunger, shakiness
- Trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or cramping
Warnings
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, blood circulation problems, anemia, metabolic acidosis, an adrenal gland or pituitary gland disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, or had a heart attack. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
- Too much of this medicine can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis.
- Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery, an x-ray, CT scan, or other medical test.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Metformin Hcl Er ?
Metformin HCl ER (extended-release) is an oral antihyperglycemic medication used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes. It functions by improving glucose tolerance and lowering basal and postprandial plasma glucose levels by decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis. Metformin HCl ER's extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing to maintain steady blood glucose levels over a prolonged period.- Confusion, fast heartbeat, increased hunger, shakiness
- Trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain or cramping
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Fever or chills
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, blood circulation problems, anemia, metabolic acidosis, an adrenal gland or pituitary gland disorder, vitamin B12 deficiency, or had a heart attack. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
- Too much of this medicine can cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis.
- Part of the extended-release tablet may pass in your stool. This is normal.
- Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine before you have surgery, an x-ray, CT scan, or other medical test.
- This medicine may cause some premenopausal women who do not have regular monthly periods to ovulate. This can increase the chance of pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, discuss birth control options with your doctor.
- Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Metformin Hcl Er Coupons & Prices
metFORMIN HCl ER 500MG
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Looking for a metformin HCl ER coupon? Metformin hydrochloride extended-release is the once-daily generic form of a widely used type 2 diabetes medicine, and because it is generic it is already one of the lower-cost prescriptions at the pharmacy. Even so, the cash price can vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so comparing before you fill can make a real difference. Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find a low price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price on metformin HCl ER.
What is metformin HCl ER and how does it work?
Metformin hydrochloride extended-release (ER) is a biguanide antidiabetic (antihyperglycemic) medicine. It is FDA-approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The extended-release form releases the medicine slowly over the day, so it is taken once daily. Brand-name versions include Glucophage XR, Glumetza, and Fortamet.
Metformin works mainly by lowering the amount of sugar your liver makes and helping your body respond better to its own insulin. It is often the first medicine chosen for type 2 diabetes. This page is for general information and is not medical advice; talk with your provider about whether metformin ER is right for you.
Metformin HCl ER cost and coupons without insurance
Metformin HCl ER is available as a generic, which is one of the reasons it is typically an affordable prescription. But "affordable" is not the same at every pharmacy: the cash price for the exact same tablets can differ widely depending on where you fill. That is why comparing matters, even on a low-cost generic. If you do not have insurance, a Rx.com coupon can help you pay a lower cash price at the pharmacy.
Because prices change and depend on your location, dose, and quantity, we show them live rather than quoting a fixed figure. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price on metformin HCl ER across the pharmacies near you and pick the lowest one.
Related medicines and alternatives
Metformin ER is the once-daily extended-release version of metformin. If you are looking at other options, these related medicines may be helpful to compare:
- Immediate-release metformin: metformin and metformin HCl, usually taken more than once a day.
- Brand-name extended-release: Glucophage XR, Glumetza, and Fortamet; the standard brand is Glucophage.
- Combination products that pair metformin with another diabetes medicine: Janumet and Invokamet.
Your provider can help you decide which form or combination fits your treatment plan. Prices for each can be compared right here on Rx.com.
Important safety information
Metformin carries a boxed warning for lactic acidosis, a rare but serious and potentially fatal build-up of acid in the blood. The risk goes up with kidney problems, certain other medicines, age 65 and older, imaging tests that use contrast dye, surgery, low-oxygen conditions, heavy alcohol use, and liver problems. Warning signs can be subtle and include feeling unwell, muscle aches, trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, and stomach pain. If you notice these, stop the medicine and seek medical care right away.
Metformin ER should not be used by people with severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30) or with acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. Your provider should check your kidney function before you start and from time to time after. Long-term use may lower vitamin B12 levels. The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and gas; these often improve over time and when the medicine is taken with meals. This is general information, not medical advice, so discuss your full health history with your provider or pharmacist.
This Metformin Hcl Er information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Metformin Hcl Er on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.