GLUCOPHAGE XR vs METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 12, 2026·How we rate

Attribute	GLUCOPHAGE XR	METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Rating	70/100	72/100
Pharmacy pays	~$0.74 /30	~$0.74 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE	METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Emd Serono	Granules
Dosage forms	Tablet, extended release	Solution, Tablet, Tablet, extended release
Drug class	Biguanide	Biguanide
Boxed warning	None	None
Half-life	about 6.2 hours (plasma elimination half-life in adults with normal kidney function)	about 6.2 hours (plasma elimination half-life in adults with normal kidney function)
Treats	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus	Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

glucophage xr metformin hydrochloride

Rating

70/100

72/100

Pharmacy pays

~$0.74 /30

Type

Active ingredient

METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Emd Serono

Granules

Dosage forms

Tablet, extended release

Solution, Tablet, Tablet, extended release

Drug class

Biguanide

Boxed warning

None

Half-life

about 6.2 hours (plasma elimination half-life in adults with normal kidney function)

Treats

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Get metformin hydrochloridehigher-rated option

Advertising disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our independent ratings.

Get treatment online

Licensed online providers — consult & get prescribed if eligible.

SesameCompare online visit prices

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Glucophage XR or Metformin Hydrochloride?

By our independent rating, Metformin Hydrochloride scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Glucophage XR. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Glucophage XR or Metformin Hydrochloride?

Pharmacies pay about the same to acquire either one — roughly $0.74 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That is not what you will be charged: your price is set by your insurer and the pharmacy, not by what the drug cost them.

What is the difference between Glucophage XR and Metformin Hydrochloride?

Both Glucophage XR and Metformin Hydrochloride share the active ingredient Metformin Hydrochloride.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.