Generic Glucophage

Generic Glucophage is currently manufactured under the name Metformin tablets. Currently, there are five strengths of generic Glucophage available for sale, varying between 500 mg and 1000 mg. There are also two strengths of a long-acting version of generic Glucophage available. More than 10 companies currently manufacture generic Glucophage, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan Laboratories, and Goldline Pharmaceuticals.

 

Glucophage Generic: An Overview

Glucophage® (metformin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as adult-onset diabetes or noninsulin-dependent diabetes). Glucophage is part of a class of diabetes medications known as biguanide medication. Glucophage 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.
 
Glucophage 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 Glucophage

Interestingly, generic Glucophage 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 Glucophage 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 Glucophage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;