GLUCOPHAGE vs GLUCOPHAGE XR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

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

Attribute	GLUCOPHAGE	GLUCOPHAGE XR
Rating	70/100	70/100
Pharmacy pays	~$0.74 /30	~$0.74 /30
Type	RX	RX
Active ingredient	METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE	METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer	Emd Serono	Emd Serono
Dosage forms	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 glucophage xr

Rating

70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$0.74 /30

Type

Active ingredient

METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Emd Serono

Dosage forms

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 glucophagehigher-rated option

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Glucophage or Glucophage XR?

Glucophage and Glucophage XR are tied at 3.5 out of 5 by our independent rating.

Which is cheaper, Glucophage or Glucophage XR?

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 and Glucophage XR?

Both Glucophage and Glucophage XR 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.