Biguanides

Biguanides are used to treat diabetes type 2. They lower blood sugar levels by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed through the intestines and made by the liver. They also work by making the body more sensitive to insulin.

Why are biguanides prescribed?

Gestational Diabetes (50%)
Diabetes Type 2 (50%)

How are these percentages calculated?

Key takeaways

Biguanides are used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes and improving your body's response to insulin. These medications are available in as oral forms, either as immediate-release or extended-release tablets. Examples include metformin (Glucophage) and metformin extended-release (Glucophage XR, Fortamet). You can choose the form that best fits your needs.

Prices for popular Biguanides medications

Viewing 6 of 6 medications

Glucophage (metformin)

as low as$34

Metformin (Glucophage) is an inexpensive drug used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in both brand and generic versions. Generic metformin is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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Riomet (metformin)

as low as$34

Riomet (metformin) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Riomet is less popular than other biguanides. Riomet is available in generic and brand versions.

Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Riomet is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans.

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Glucophage XR (metformin ER (glucophage XR))

as low as$37

Metformin ER (Glucophage XR) is an inexpensive drug used to treat type II diabetes. It helps control blood sugar in combination with diet and exercise. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic metformin ER is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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metformin ER (fortamet)

as low as$29

Metformin ER is a biguanide used to treat type II diabetes. It helps control blood sugar in combination with diet and exercise. Metformin is widely considered the first-line treatment for adult onset diabetes because it rarely causes hypoglycemia and can help with weight loss. Brands include Fortamet and Glucophage XR. The immediate release version is available as generic metformin and Glucophage. Extended-release metformin combination pills include Janumet XR (Januvia and metformin) and Actoplus Met XR (pioglitazone and metformin).

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Riomet ER

as low as$756

METFORMIN treats type 2 diabetes. It controls blood sugar (glucose) and helps your body use insulin effectively. This medication is often combined with changes to diet and exercise.

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Glumetza (metformin ER (glumetza))

as low as$768

Metformin ER (Fortamet) is an expensive drug used to treat type II diabetes. It helps control blood sugar in combination with diet and exercise. This drug is slightly less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. It is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans, but pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

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Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.